Donna Martinez

Donna Marie Martinez was born on November 1st, 1956 in Las Vegas, NM She lived in Santa Fe, NM, for over 30 years.  Donna spent some time in college studying architecture and had a wonderful gift for art and was a self-made fashion designer creating many beautiful pieces of her own. She found a sales niche in selling automobiles and was very successful in selling cars for many years, beginning in Grants, with the Corley’s and finally with Capital Ford and other dealers in Santa Fe.  She formed many relationships and loved the connections she made, saving loved pictures of almost all of her clients.  

Donna is preceded in death by her son Joseph Henry Taylor and her father, Alfonso Andres Martinez.  She is survived by her mother, Catalina Anita Martinez y Tafoya, her son Beau James Taylor (Saundra), daughter, Claire Elizabeth Jacquez (Edward), her ten grandchildren; Abigail Rose Taylor, Everett Madison Taylor, Hailee Jo Lovato, Zachary James Taylor, Eliza Rose Taylor, Sariah Rose Taylor, Harmony Rose Taylor, Ollie Ethan Jacquez, Broderick Adam Taylor, Thaddeus Nitro Taylor, and her nine siblings; James Alfonso Martinez,  Doris Ann Martinez-Rowley, Barbara Joan Gallagher (Terry), Robert Harold Martinez, Kathrine Maxine Martinez, Patrick John Martinez, Thomas Louis Martinez, Audrey Gail Martinez, and Valerie Lee Martinez.  Donna is also survived by other nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts and other close friends.Donna’s creative spirit played into everything she did.  She loved preparing food and always had an ability to create something from nothing.  Her red Chile was the best ever and the preparation of it seemed to take an eternity. Donna had a big loving heart and was quick to forgive. Her generous heart made everyone welcome. She loved laughter and jokes and always appreciated a good prank. Her faith was very important to her, and loved this time of Lent. Her favorite color was purple and she loved the beauty of every flower.  She left us on Friday, April 1st, 2022, and she will be forever missed.

A vesper prayer service will be held on Sunday, April 10, 2022 at 4PM in Santa Fe in the Kiva Chapel of Light of Rivera Family Funeral Home, 417 East Rodeo Rd followed by a light reception.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 11, 2022, 10:30 AM at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.  Burial will follow at Rosario Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be her son, son-in-law and her four brothers.  A reception will take place afterwards at 3PM at La Fonda Hotel, Downtown Santa Fe, please join the family afterwards to continue to remember, share and celebrate the life of Donna!

Donna’s family would like to thank from the bottom of their hearts, the staff of Sombrillo Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Los Alamos, the Del Corazon Hospice of Santa Fe and the many family and friends of Donna that came to assist and be at her side.  Also in gratitude and prayer for the ministers of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.  Last but not the least, Rivera Family Funeral Homes of Santa Fe and the Espanola location, Bob Clifford, Al Vincent, Theresa Westfall and Paul Flathery and their entire staffs.