Martha Smith

Our cherished mother, Martha Carmen Smith, 81, found peace on 5 January 2024 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with family by her side after bravely fighting multiple medical conditions. She entered this world 16 July 1942, in Santa Rita, New Mexico, to Gavino Hernandez and Amelia Garcia Fuller.

Martha raised her family in Ft. Wingate, New Mexico, Checotah, Oklahoma, and Las Cruces, New Mexico, with a recent move to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Utilizing her education as an alumna of Western New Mexico and Northeastern State Universities to teach Home Ec in BIA schools to Native American students at Steamboat Springs, Arizona, and Ft. Wingate, New Mexico. She shared her love for cooking with numerous high school students, finding great pride in knowing she equipped her students with an ability to replicate recipes accurately and sport handmade clothing. In her retirement, she served as a humble reminder to pause in the present, appreciate the season's green chile harvest, and always enjoy daily sunsets.

We find great comfort in knowing she has reunited with those who preceded her in death: daddy, Townsend Fuller; mother, Amelia; sister, Alicia Garcia; aunts, Frances G. Adams and Angelina Sanchez; uncle, Ernesto Garcia; cousins, Linda E. Vigil and Celestina Garcia Adams; brothers-in-law, Merle R. "Pat" Smith and Henry Balinbin; multiple extended family; long-time family friend and mentor, Hazel Tune; and assorted furbabies.

Martha is survived by her loving husband, John; daughter, Lani-Elaine (J.J. Castruita, III); son, Mark; two grandchildren; sisters, Cecilia Balinbin and Rosalina McClain; multiple cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. We will live on carrying her memories in our hearts and honoring her life's legacy.

We greatly appreciate her UNM medical team for providing palliative care in her final moments, allowing her to move on peacefully. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to The Colorado Shiba Inu Rescue, National Scleroderma Foundation, or Alzheimer's Association.

The family will receive friends and loved ones at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 431 Richmond Place NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, on 19 January 2024, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Burial Rites will be conducted at 11 a.m., with a Celebration of Life reception in the Parish Hall. Private burial will occur at a later date. Funeral services will be streamed online via St. Mark's Facebook page.