Elva E. (Ortega) Martinez Hernandez

Elva E. (Ortega) Martinez Hernandez, age 97, went to be with our Lord on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at the home of her son, Toby Martinez and daughter-in-law, Sandra, who were by her side. Elva was born on January 25, 1926, in Questa, NM, and was a longtime resident of Albuquerque, NM. Her parents were Jose Tobias and Maria de los Dolores (Gomez) Ortega. She attended the College of St. Joseph on the Rio Grande (later the University of Albuquerque) for two years. She married Modesto Martinez, also from Questa, on February 17, 1947, and they had six children. After the sudden and unexpected death of Modesto in 1970, she embraced the challenges and financial adversities of raising their children by herself. Elva was always supportive of her children, through the many successes and obstacles in their lives. She supported her family working for K-Mart until her retirement. She then continued to work into her 80's, as she enjoyed interacting with people.

Elva was passionate about her Catholic faith, especially her devotion to the Virgin Mary. As a widow and loyal member of Annunciation Church parish, she made it a point that her children attend its elementary school and St. Pius X High School. After her marriage to Tony Hernandez in 1979, she became a member of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church. When they moved to the Northeast Heights, she became a member of the Shrine of St. Bernadette Catholic Church. and has been a loyal parishioner until her death. She was a member of the Altar Rosary Society at each of the parishes and her last "job" was at the Shrine Gift Shop at St. Bernadette's.

Elva was always crocheting in her spare time. She made afghans for every child, grandchild, and even her great-grandchildren. Since each afghan was made specifically for each person, these will be treasured by her descendants.

Elva was known for her love of coffee and pastries, especially when she enjoyed them in the company of her relatives and friends. She spent many hours conversing with her dear friends, Yvette Griego and Annie Miera, as well as visits by her many relatives on their travels between Albuquerque and Questa.

She also enjoyed spending time with her 10 grandchildren: Martin, Denise, Kimberly, Adam, Daniel, David, Melissa, Adrienne, Travis, and Tobias. "Grandma Tinez", as she was affectionately known to her grandchildren, always had cookies and Three Musketeer candy bars in the freezer. When they had sleepovers, Grandma Tinez had the biggest boxes of crayons for them, and the little dab of Mentholatum when they went to bed.

She is survived by her children, LeRoy (Edna) of Albuquerque, Katherine (David) Kent of Chicago, IL; Elaine Crowe of Decatur, AL; Anthony (Jane) of Charlotte, NC; Toby (Sandra) of Albuquerque, and Lisa (Tim) Keenan of Albuquerque; her grandchildren, Denise Crowe, Kimberly (Brandon) Dillard, Daniel (Megan) Martinez, David Martinez, Melissa Martinez, Adrienne (David) Blackmon, Travis Jones, and Tobias Martinez and numerous great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her second husband, Tony Hernandez, and her first husband, Modesto Martinez, as well as her son-in-law, Roger Crowe; and her grandsons, Martin Martinez and Adam Martinez. She was the last surviving sibling in her family, now joining her brothers, Efren, Elizardo, Ignacio, Loyola, Alfonso, Elevinio, and Rubaldo; and her sisters, Ernestina Ortega and Eutimia Martinez in heaven.

Rosary will be recited Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at 10:00 a.m., at The Shrine of St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 11401 Indian School Rd NE, Albuquerque, with the Very Reverend Rick Zerwas and Deacon Joe Santana as co-celebrants.
Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

The pallbearers will be her grandsons, Daniel Martinez, and Tobias Martinez; grandson-in-law, Brandon Dillard; and nephews, Lee Ortega, Chris Ortega, and Larry Sanchez. Honorary pallbearers will be her great-grandsons, Reed Dillard and Vincent Martinez.

Much appreciation and gratitude go out to all the friends and family who have supported Elva and her family during the time leading up to her loss and after her death.