Genevieve "Gena" Martinez, age 96, of Silver City, NM, passed away on January 23, 2025, at the family home. Gena was born in Garfield, NM, to Rosa Sanchez and Tomas Zamora on March 16, 1928. Third eldest of 10 children, preceded in death by 8 siblings, Gena leaves a lasting message of love, strong will, hope, duty, and resilience.
Her parents instilled a strong work ethic and emphasized the importance of education. Gena attended elementary school in Hurley, NM, graduating from Teacher's High School. She went on to study business in Albuquerque, NM, and was selected to work at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Gena returned to Central, NM, as requested to tend to family affairs while her mother battled tuberculosis.
Upon her return, she met an old high school friend, and on December 26, 1953, she married Gilberto B. Martinez. They were happily married until his passing in 2005. They raised 4 children: Lorraine (Michael) Anglin, Tricia Martinez, Gene (Melanie) Martinez, Noni (Ronnie) Parra. She was an active community member participating in the Silver High Booster Club, Business & Professional Woman (BPW), and a long-term member of the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.
After 40 years of service, Gena retired from Med Square Clinic, working numerous roles throughout her tenure in the business office. Being a woman of faith and loved by many, she was a comadre to many children of her friends and family, as they always held a special place in her heart. Gena will be remembered by those who loved her for being an amazing cook, avid dancer, loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.
She is survived by her son, Gene Martinez (Melanie) of Albuquerque, NM; her three daughters, Lorraine Anglin (Michael) of Silver City, NM, Tricia Martinez of Silver City, NM and Noni Parra (Ron) of Silver City, NM; her two sisters, Eloisa Maldonado of Phoenix, AZ and Rosemary Arellano of Silver City, NM; her sister-in-law, Irene Munoz; her seven grandchildren, Melissa Cumber (Chris), Jaclyn Martinez, Jonathon Anglin (Krystal), Gabriel Martinez (Heather), Kari Anglin, Royce Parra (Jasmine), Ryan Parra (Celine); her twelve great-grandchildren; her one great-great-grandchild; and her numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Gilberto Martinez; her brothers, Tommy Zamora, Robert Zamora, Elifas Zamora, Jesus Zamora; her sisters, Helen Hernandez, Elvira Walters and Aurora Mendoza.
The Holy Rosary will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 9:00am at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, recited by Lupe Flores. The Funeral Mass will commence at 9:30am with Father Ephraim Ezulike officiating. The inurnment will be held at 4:30pm at St. Vincent Catholic Cemetery, with Deacon Bill Holguin presiding committal. Pallbearers are Gene Martinez, Jonathon Anglin, Gabriel Martinez, Royce Parra, Ryan Parra, Eddie Hernandez, Andrew Zamora, Mike Hernandez. Honorary Pallbearers are Mike Anglin, Ron Parra, Kane Martinez, Kayden Parra, Jakobi Anglin, Easton Parra.
Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trust care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
