Libby Rose Martinez

Libby (Rose Libradita Larranaga) Martinez, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2019 at her home surrounded by her loving family.  Libby was born on October 17, 1941, in Rincones Colorado, New Mexico, to Macario Larranaga and Anita Tapia Larranaga. Libby is preceded in death by her sons Anthony and Joseph Martinez, parents, and siblings: Delfinio (Lucy) Tapia; Ramon (Loyola) Tapia; Juanita (Maclovio) Montoya; Mary Larranaga, Esther Larranaga, Gilbert Larranaga, Louie Sandoval and Duane Holtzclaw. In-Laws Eduardo Martinez and Carmelita Archuleta Gonzales; brother/sister-in laws: Louis Martinez; Gabby (Andres) Martinez; Leo (Jose) Martinez and Mary Ann Valdez as well as numerous great uncles, aunts and cousins from the Larranaga and Tapia families.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Tony “Toy” Martinez; children: Georgia (Harold) Porter of Nambe Pueblo, Donna (Stephen) Vallejos of Virginia, and Teresa (Edward) Cortez of Santa Fe.  Grandchildren: Cami Porter, Estevan (Clarabelle) Porter, and Nathaniel (Melonie) Porter all of Nambe Pueblo; Jacob (Laura) Martinez of Nambe; Joelle (Michael) Altamirano and Angelique Martinez of Albuquerque; Joshua (Sabrina) Vallejos of Dallas; Jared Vallejos of Virginia; Esperanza and Antonio Cortez of Santa Fe. Great-grandchildren: Marcos, Aleena, Kassius and Devon Porter of Nambe Pueblo; Azariah, Jonah, Nevaeh and Cyrus Martinez of Nambe; Emma, Liam and Dean Altamirano of Albuquerque. Brothers/sisters: Mary Lou Sandoval, Joe (Mary) Larranaga, Tommy Larranaga, Tony (Judy) Larranaga, Elosia (Fred) Couty all of Santa Fe, and Charlotte Holtzclaw of Washington. Sister in-laws: Carolina and Consey (Connie) Martinez of Santa Fe as well as numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Libby was a loving and devoted wife who was lucky enough to spend 60 beautiful years with her “Honey Toy”, the love of her life, who was her soulmate and her everything. Their love was a once in a lifetime kind of love and a great example to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They built their life together on a foundation of faith, love, respect, commitment, laughter and joy. The magical love they shared will be the greatest gift and legacy they leave to their family. Thank you to Tony “Dad” for being her best friend, confidant, and partner in every step of life.

Libby was a loving and dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She had a special gift for making all her children feel loved, valued and special.  Libby was not only an amazing role model to her children but also to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a loving, kind, strong and independent woman. She taught us all so many things – most importantly, the value of hard work and the importance of family.

She will be remembered for the special blessing she gave to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren every time she saw them “In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, may Jesus protect you and keep you safe and we love you.”  Despite her years of pain and discomfort, she kept her faith and she prayed for others. She truly put others before herself, she never gave up on others and she kept fighting till the end. We all strive to live a life like our Mom and Grandma, to be living examples of faith, hope and love to others.  She will always be our hero! 

The family would like to thank all the staff of Amber Care Hospice especially Dr. Karin Thron, Nurse Kelley Plymesser, Social Worker Jerah Sherman and Chaplain Len for the care and assistance provided to her and the family for the last 23 months. We would also like to thank Teresa Price for sharing her gift of healing hands which brought great comfort in her time of need.   

All services will be on Saturday, October 19, 2019.  The rosary will be at 9:00 am and the mass at 10:00 am at St. Anne Parish, 511 Alicia Street, Santa Fe, NM 87505.  The burial will take place immediately following the mass at Rosario Cemetery.  After Rosario Cemetery, we invite family and friends to join us at St. Anne Parish Hall as a time to celebrate Libby’s life. In lieu of any type of donations, the family asks that you consider a donation be made in her name to Amber Haven, 550 St. Michael’s Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505 specifically for indigent hospice patients in Santa Fe.  She was blessed to have the love, kindness and blessing of her family all these years, she would like that to be extended to someone who is in need.  All arrangements are under the direction of Berardinelli Funeral Home.

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