Linda Anne Martinez

MARTINEZ- Linda Anne Martinez, 76, was quickly and unexpectedly called home to our Lord and Savior on May 27, 2024. Valiant effort to save her by those she deeply admired: Albuquerque Fire & Rescue, her husband, Bob, and a dear neighbor. 

Linda was born on April 26, 1948 to John Bok and Marilyn (Manzlak) Heinrich in St. Paul, MN. She graduated from John Madison High School in Portland, Or and began her studies in accounting at the Portland State University and the University of Washington. 

In 1976, Linda began working for the Federal Government with the Census Bureau. Her attention to detail and customer service skills elevated her to many promotions and awards throughout her 32-year career. The majority of her career was spent with the Internal Revenue Service where she served as a Revenue Agent, the Collection Division Process Reviewer (Seattle, WA), Examination Tax Auditor (Seattle, WA), Manager of National Office Returns Process (Washington, D.C.), and Manager Customer Service Problems Resolution (Albuquerque, NM). She was a graduate of the Taxpayer Advocate Service Senior Readiness Program and her expertise was utilized across the country in many field offices: Milwaukee, WI, Phoenix, AZ, Dallas, TX, Denver, CO, and Washington, D.C. In 1999 she was appointed to be the Taxpayer Advocate for the state of New Mexico. Each state’s delegate would report directly to Congress the work that was needed and completed in their respective state. 

Linda was a genuine leader and was sought after to teach others her unique perspective and skills. In 2002, she served as a member of the National Agreement Management Negotiating Team. She, also served as the President of New Mexico Hispanic IRS Employee Chapter and coordinated the 2003 Hire National Training Conference in Albuquerque. Linda led the Case Advocacy Team in Taxpayer Advisory Service for Vision & Strategy Implementation Board and was appointed the designated Federal Official for Taxpayer Advisory Panel. Serving and advocating for others was her passion. She received the Albert Gallatin Outstanding Service Award for her 32 years of service for the Department of the Treasury and IRS. 

Linda retired from the IRS in 2008; however, retirement did not last long. She obtained her Real Estate Broker License and became one of Coldwell Legacy Bankers top brokers. She found beauty and potential in every home she listed and used her creativity skills to benefit sellers and buyers alike. The friendships she made with her coworkers brought her such joy. No matter where she worked or volunteered, Linda rightfully received numerous awards. 

Linda was a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary #1 for 29 years and proudly served as the Lodge President for 14 years and as the National Auxiliary Secretary for 6 years. Linda was currently serving as the Treasurer of the Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge and the Vice President of the FOP Lodge #1 Auxiliary. She touched the lives of many police officers and families.

Linda, also served on the Albuquerque Police Oversight Commission and as the Commission’s Chair from 2007-2013. 

She served on the Four Hills Village Association Board of Directors for many years and served as Treasurer for 6 years. 

She belonged to the Canyon Club, the IRS Coffee Group, and St. Mary’s High School Friday Afternoon Club. Originally, they met on the First Friday of the month, but it quickly moved to every Friday because of the camaraderie they developed and the amount of fun they had. 

Linda loved gardening, traveling, collecting Department 56 figurines, and decorating for the Christmas holiday. She made every holiday and party special with her creativity, special touches, warmth, and hospitality. Her Kentucky Derby parties were legendary and can never be replicated. 

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, John and Marilyn; her mother-in-law, Anita Maes Martinez; her father-in-law, Estolano Acorsino Martinez; and stepbrother, Colin Manderson. 

She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Bob Martinez, of Albuquerque, NM; sons, Pete Jeremiah of Supply, NC, and Ben Jeremiah of Albuquerque, NM; stepchildren, Danita Martinez, of Koloa, HI, Christina Martinez Browning, of Kappa, HI, and Robert Lee Martinez, II of Champaign, IL; adopted daughters, Marni and Shannon; grandchildren, Austin, Gwen, Max, Zander, and Gwyneth; and sister, Debbie Manderson, of Seattle, WA. To list every special friend would be impossible because every person was special to Linda. 

A Celebration of Life and Reception to honor Linda will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at Calvary Church, 4001 Osuna Rd NE, Albuquerque. Gentlemen and ladies are encouraged to wear their best Kentucky Derby Hat to the service. This will surely make Linda’s smile even brighter in Heaven! 

Flowers and plants are appreciated because Linda loved them very much. Donations to honor her legacy can also be made to the FOP Auxiliary #1, 4120 Cutler Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109.