Cecilia Martha Martinez

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Cecilia (Cece) Martha Martinez.  Cece was born in Albuquerque on July 5, 1944. She passed away peacefully at her home in Los Lunas, NM, surrounded by her loved ones on Sunday, February 8, 2026.  Throughout her 81 blessed years, she was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and cousin.  She was a friend to many.

Cece devoted her life to her family and to her faith.  She truly loved spending time with loved ones, attending family gatherings throughout the years, and sharing her famous fruit salad at family potlucks.  Cece cared deeply for her family unconditionally. Her devoted husband, Sam, was always by her side providing love and support.

She was proud to be raised in the Barelas Community and never forgot her upbringing.  Being an active AHS Bulldog Alumni, Class of 1962, kept her connected with friends throughout the reunion years.

Cece retired from the NM Taxation & Revenue Department in 2008, after serving 15 years.  She worked prior for the Internal Revenue Service for 10 years. 

The dedication she had for serving Veterans will be remembered by her volunteer work at all leadership levels of the American Legion Family in NM.  She was a life-long member of the Otero-Garcia-Navarrete Unit 72 in Albuquerque, along with her loved ones. Her knowledge with finance transparency kept records accurate and complete.  She was known to account for every “cent”!  The organization has lost a dedicated, devoted member, especially her smile. 

In addition to her parents, Ernest and Ysidra Montoya, and in-laws, Don and Frances Beggs and Jerry Martinez, she was preceded in death by her sister, Genoveva (GiGi) Baca; and her brothers Ernie and Tony Montoya, and sister-in law, Donna Beggs.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Sam; one son, Sammy Martinez (Renee), and one daughter, Monica Rojo (Diego); four grandchildren: Elijah Martinez, Morgan Martinez, Alyssa Brito, and Ariana Brito; sister:  Rita Navarrete (Tony Richard); brothers: Frank (Barbara) and Phillip (Patti); sisters-in-law: Janice Montoya, Linda Montoya (Charley), Dora Martinez, and Nancy Reynolds; brother-in-law:  Ferdy Martinez (Jeanette), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to thank the Hospice of New Mexico staff, especially Kristy Hardy and Karen Metz for their care and compassion, and to AO Feguson for his prayers and comfort. 

Services for Cece will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 3674 NM-47, Peralta, NM, on March 5, 2026, beginning with a visitation at 10:00 a.m., a rosary at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Mass at 11:30 a.m.   Interment will take place at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to further benefit the American Legion Auxiliary Nurses Scholarship Fund.  Checks can be made to: Department of New Mexico, American Legion Auxiliary, and mailed to 1215 Mountain Rd. NE, Albuquerque, NM  87102, Memo line: Cecilia Martinez Nurses Scholarship Fund.