Nolia Chavez Martinez

Mrs. Nolia Chavez Martinez, age 84 of Chimayo, NM. died peacefully on Thursday December 1, 2011. She was preceded in death by her husband Leopoldo "Leo" Martinez, and dear son Martin Jude Martinez. She was born & raised in Vaughn, NM., and graduated from Vaughn High School. She was the Vaughn town clerk, and had also worked at Citizens Bank, as a bookkeeper, and manager of the Studio Theatre. She was appointed Commissioner of Rio Arriba Housing Authority Region II by Governor Bruce King, covering six counties; Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Taos, Colfax & Los Alamos. She served in N.M. state government under Governors Sims, Burroghs, Cambell, Apodaca and King. She was also the former vice chairperson of the Democratic Party in Guadalupe County and former chairperson of Womens Activities for Young Democrats. She is survived by sisters Helen Griego of Vaughn and Nora Chase of Herlong, CA., and a niece raised by her; Dolores Barnes and husband Jeff of Edgewood, NM. as well as other nieces and nephews and other relatives. Recitation of the Rosary was held December 4, 2011 in the chapel of Rivera Family Funeral Home in Espanola. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated December 5, 2011 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Chimayo, interment followed at The Nuestra Senora De Dolorase Cemetery in Chimayo. Rivera Family Funeral Home of Espanola 753-2288, toll free (800) 443-4854 www.riverafamilyfuneralhome.com