Rose V. Martinez

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rose V. Martinez, resident of Santa Cruz, after a long battle with cancer.  Her joy for life and indomitable spirit kept her pushing through the pain.  Her final moments were spent peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving family when she was called to her Heavenly home by our Lord on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at the age of 83.  Rose was born on September 28, 1940 and raised in Santa Cruz by parents Manuel and Carmelita Vigil.  Rose was a loving and caring person, and she will be deeply missed by her family and close friends.  She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many.  Her family meant everything to her.  Rose enjoyed traveling and going to car shows with her late husband Eppie.  Rose took pride working in her rose garden.  Her rose garden received countless compliments.  People often would ask if they could pick her roses for special occasions.  She was happy to share the beauty of her roses with all.  Rose was a stay-at-home mom to her daughter and two sons for many years.  Once her children were older, she started working at The Zia Company, whose name changed over the years, a Contractor to Los Alamos National Laboratory.  She was the youngest of her siblings, but she was always helping them in any way she could whether it be praying with them, talking on the telephone or taking them to the Senior Citizen Center.  Rose will be missed by all who knew her but never forgotten.

She was preceded in death by her husband Epifano “Eppie”; son Thomas “Tommy”; grandson Thomas Martinez; parents Manuel and Carmelita Vigil; brothers Manuel Jr.; Emilo; Samuel; and Tony Vigil; sisters Lusita King and Mary Montoya; brother-in- laws Elmer Torrez; Pat Montoya; and Robert Gallegos; sister in-law Nora Vigil; in-laws Abelino and Faustina Martinez; brother in-laws; Abel, Gerbacio; and Cayetano Martinez; Jerry Maestas; and Reynaldo Cordova; sister in-laws Genoveva Martinez; Priscilla Maestas; Elisa Cordova; Marlene; Ninfa; Geri; Sabinita; and Sadie Martinez.

Rose is survived by her daughter Yolly Martinez; son Tim (Myra) Martinez; grandchildren; Carmelita (Andres) Borrego; Brandon (Nicole); Tamara; Tanaya; and Alysia Martinez; great grandchildren; Lynessa Padilla; Ivory Martinez; Matthew Archuleta-Martinez; Ezraniah Borrego; Diamond Dixion; Selena and Julianna Martinez; brother Jose (Esther) Vigil; sisters Isabel Torrez; and Alice Gallegos; brother in-laws Johnny King; Richard Martinez; and Fidel (Loyda) Martinez; sister in-law Olympia Vigil; and many other relatives and friends.

Public visitation will take place at the Holy Family Chapel of Rivera Family Funeral Home on Thursday, November 30, 2023 from 5:00 to 6:00pm and the rosary will take place from 6:00 to 7:00pm.  Mass of the Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 1, 2023 at 10:00am at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada, with burial to follow at the Holy Cross Cemetery.  Severing as honorary pallbearers are her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The family of Rose V. Martinez has entrusted the care of their loved one to the Rivera Family Funeral Home of Espanola.  Please visit riverafamilyfuneralhome.com to share your condolences, memories, and photos.  Please share your memories and thoughts with the Martinez family.

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