Emilia E. Martinez

Emilia Elizabeth Martinez, 64, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, Godmother and friend, passed away on July 15th, 2018 at her childhood residence in Taos peacefully surrounded by her family and close friends. She is preceded in death by her father, Adolfo D. Martinez and niece, Stephanie Van Paris. She is survived by her mother, Alice D. Martinez, brothers, Michael "Smokey" Martinez (Barbara), Karl Martinez (Becky), Lucas Martinez (Carla), sisters, Veronica Martinez and Georgiana Martinez Montoya (Arthur). Emilia was a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Emilia graduated from Taos High school in 1971 then attended New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro. She eventually earned an Associate Degree from Northern NM Community College. Emilia lived in Denver, Colorado for five years before moving to Santa Fe where she resided for the majority of her life and retired from the State of New Mexico with 25 years of service. She never forgot her home town and spent much of her time in Taos with her siblings caring for their mother. Emilia loved to travel; she was able to travel throughout the United States with her job. She went on cruises and loved to visit new places. She was an avid reader all of her life and after her retirement volunteered at the Santa Fe Public Library. Emilia fought a courageous battle with cancer for almost four years. She remained optimistic and strong and retained her incredible sense of humor. Emilia was lovingly cared for by her siblings, nephew, Andres Romero, niece, LeAnn Olonia, cousins, Terrie Jones and Pauline Martinez who assisted with Emilia's care. Her lifetime friends, Katie Vigil, Cathy Romero Mondragon, Cathy Fernandez, Diana Martinez, Edna Sturtcman, Benito Herrera and Santa Fe friend, Mary Robins, also continued to care for and visit Emilia in Taos. The family would like to thank Father Daniel, Father Angelo, Deacon Romolo, Deacon Larry, Marilyn Newman, Taos Guadalupanas, The Mary Guild, Billy Archuleta, the Threshold Choir, the staff at Crista St. Vincent Cancer Center and Mountain Home Hospice, especially Katrina, Jenny and Esperanza and everyone else who touched Emilia's life caring for her. Rosary will be recited on Monday, July 23, 2018 at 6 PM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at 10 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with a reception to follow at the St. Joseph's Parish Center behind the church. Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home, Taos.