Erma L. Martinez

Erma L. Martinez, age 78 a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend and a long time resident of Albuquerque passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, April 5,2014, with her family at her bedside. Erma was born on February 24, 1937 in Jarosco, CO; she was raised in Costilla, NM and moved to Albuquerque in 1954. Erma was a stay at home mom and a devoted Catholic and was very active in the Church and never missed a Sunday mass in 44 years. When her children were grown, she then went to work as a manager for Holy Family Name Bingo and Knights of Columbus Bingo at Snow Heights and Five Points Bingo. She retired and spent her spare time doing what she loved most, playing bingo at Sandia Casino every weekend and spoiling her husband, family and friends with her cooking and famous chile. The love of her life were her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Annie Martinez-Marquez; parents Dee and Eloisa Lovato; and in laws Abel and Annie Martinez; siblings, Ada Valdez, Odila Lovato, Theresa Gonzales, Elicio Lovato, Dee Lovato, and Toby Lovato; sister and brother-in-laws, Erlina Lovato, Margaret Lovato, Joe Arellano, Romaine Medrano, Jake Ortega, Cruz Sotelo, and Del Rodriguez. Erma is survived by her husband of 60 years, William Martinez; her wonderful children, Kathy Martinez, Deacon Leonard Martinez (Stephanie), Ruben Martinez, Mark Martinez of Albuquerque and Edward Martinez (Robert Leslie) of Fort Worth TX; eight grandchildren; and eight great- grandchildren. Also surviving are four siblings Judy Ortega of Stockton CA, Priscilla Rodriguez of Albuquerque, Jimmy Lovato (Jean), and Geraldine Sotelo of Denver Co; sisters-in-law, Lillian Arellano of Los Lunas NM, Casilda Lovato of Costilla NM and Jessie Martinez and Dan Medrano of Albuquerque NM; and many other relatives and friends. Erma will be greatly missed by her loving family and by those whose hearts she touched. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 8, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Saint Joseph On The Rio Grande Catholic Church, 5901 St. Josephs Ave. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120, where a Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Final Viewing will be Wednesday morning from 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. at Sain Joseph On The Rio Grande Church, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow at San Carlos Cemetery, located on Alameda Blvd. and Horizon. Pallbearers will be Teresa Rodriguez, Sally Moreno, Luis Chaves, William-John Martinez, Richard Marquez, and Marty Martinez. Honorary Bearers will be Roger Martinez, Mathew Martinez, Andrew Martinez, Arnold Gonzalez, Randy Lovato, Danny Lovato. At the family's request, in lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Josephs building/Capital Campaign fund, 5901 St Josephs Ave. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120. Erma's wishes were to have everyone attending her celebration wear bright colors and to be happy. Erma's care has entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services ALAMEDA MORTUARY 9420 Fourth St. NW Albuquerque, NM 87114 (505) 898-3160