Sarah Martinez

Sarah L. Martinez

Sarah L. Martinez, 59, a lifelong resident of Velarde was called home to Heaven on October 16, 2019.  Sarah was born December 1, 1959 to George and Cleotilde (Cleo) Martinez. She was preceded in death by her father, George, her sisters Patricia, Jean and Mary Ann, and a brother Earl. It brings us peace knowing that they were awaiting Sarah with open arms as she joined them in Heaven. 

Sarah was born with Down’s Syndrome but never let that diminish her happy and loving spirit.  She was loved by everyone who came in contact with her. From the day she was born until the day she left us, she loved her Northern New Mexico music and was constantly singing and dancing to her favorite musician, Al Hurricane.  Sarah attended Santa Maria El Mirador for most of her adult life. While there she made several friends and was able to participate in activities that she grew to love including bowling, swimming, weaving, and ceramics making. She also participated in the New Mexico Special Olympics, where she won several medals. Sarah was definitely the life of the party and the activities she participated in, always laughing and having a great time.  She had a mischievous side to her as well. Sometimes sneaking off to hide to have a Coke, which she got from a friend whom she paid with the quarters mom gave her to have snacks. The El Mirador staff always knew where to find her drinking away. Sarah also worked at Espanola Sports Medicine, where she was always attentive and friendly to everyone until her “retirement”.

As Sarah got older she developed dementia and Alzehiemers disease.  Even then, she remained always happy and listening to her music. With her two sisters, Yvonne and Jeannette taking care of her daily, she was still able to enjoy life by cruising, going out to eat, and enjoying everyday of her life.

Sarah is survived by her mom, Cleo.  Brothers, Joe Martinez (Jessica) and Elmer (Eleanor).  Sisters, Jeannette Martinez, Yvonne Martinez Castillo, Loretta Neumeister (James “Mouse”), Rosaline Smith (Tony) and Angela Garcia. Close niece Pam and nephew Jeff.  21 nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and nephews. She is also survived by all the wonderful friends she met in her life and all the staff that worked with her and others with special needs.

Assisting the family as pallbearers are: Elmer Martinez, Joseph Martinez, Jeannette Martinez. Yvonne Martinez Castillo. Pamela Martinez and Ruben Esquivel.Honorary pallbearers are Sarah's friends at Santa Maria El Mirador and Espanola Sports Medicine.

Rosary will be recited at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Velarde at 7:00pm on Wednesday, October 23, 2019. Viewing will be at the same church immediately preceding the rosary from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. Family viewing will be from 5:30pm to 6:00pm.

Funeral mass will be at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Velarde at 10:00am on Thursday, October 24, 2019 with burial to follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetary at 2:15pm.