All the hugs and kisses you could ever want was her specialty. Margaret “Margie” Martinez loved people and people loved her. She was called to hug and kiss our Lord on Tuesday, May 13.Margaret Sally Martinez, or Margie, was born in Trujillo, Colo. on April 15, 1934, to Jose N. Maez and Floripa Archuleta Maez. While growing up, the family moved around following her Dad’s work into Utah, Nevada and Arizona, but always called Pagosa Springs home.
It was in Pagosa Springs where she met and married her beloved husband, Samuel Steven Martinez. Together they raised six children at the Lower Blanco, Edith and in the town of Pagosa Springs. After her children were raised, she went to work for Head Start as a teacher and helped to raise more children, who to this day, as adults, call her “grandma.” She also worked at Gambles, Jackisch Drug and at Jan’s Café. She loved the outdoors, rocks, Native American culture and people.
Margie never met a stranger. No matter where she crossed paths with friends, she always took time to kiss, hug and ask about family. Even people she did not know were friends she hadn’t made yet.
She volunteered at Chimney Rock Archaeological site as a greeter for one summer and loved doing it as she was a wonderful storyteller and because of her love for people. She was also a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and active in the Guadalupanas. However, she was first and foremost a wife and mother.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Sam Martinez, in 1999; her son, Rick Martinez, in 1998; and a grandson, Jr. Martinez, in 1990.
She is survived by five of her children: Steve Martinez (Cathy), of Bloomfield, N.M.; Mable Barber, of Pagosa Springs; Jody Martinez (Barbara), of Pagosa; Nina Schwandt (Steve), of Lawton, Okla.; Gloria Mohr (Steve), of Wichita, Kan.; a brother, Morgan Maez, of North Carolina.; 20 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, extended family and many, many friends.
The world is a much sadder place with her passing and the hugs and kisses will be sorely missed. However, Heaven is a happier place and rest assured that she will be there waiting with hugs and kisses when we meet again.
