Minnie (Martinez) Harper

Minnie Martinez Harper, age 97, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, left us peacefully surrounded by love on Thursday, December 12, 2019.  Minnie was born on June 4, 1922, in Springer, NM, as the oldest of 6 sibling sisters.  At a young age, Minnie relocated to Albuquerque where she made her home and started her family.  Minnie was preceded in death by son, Anthony (Budgie) Naranjo, and grandson, Marcel Naranjo.  Minnie is survived by two sons, Robert (Winkie) Naranjo, his wife, Julia, and Mark Naranjo, his wife, Linda, and daughter, Debbie Espinoza, her husband, Bobby; and daughter-in-law, Carla Naranjo; five sisters, Josephine, Leila, Rosalie, Margaret, and Mary; five grandchildren, Dominic, his wife, Nichol, Brandy, Lee, Crystal, her husband, Mark, and Felicia; and six great-grandchildren.  She also leaves behind many cousins one of which is Alice who was very close to Minnie, along with nieces and nephews; and several close special friends who were like family. They are Mike Sedillo, Liz and John Vravec, Michael and Nora Berg, Ruby and Jeanette.  Minnie loved and cherished these angelic friends, along with all of her wonderful family.

Minnie’s life was of an extraordinary woman who dealt with many setbacks in her lifetime but took on all challenges with zest and conviction and prayed the Rosary daily to God for guidance and direction.  She made sure that her children were taught the meaning of God and his Commandments and believed that hard work was the only way you could accomplish the things in life to support your family and have security and dignity.  Minnie instilled this in her children.

Minnie was faithfully dedicated to her children and family and believed that God should come first.  She practiced her religious life as a devout Catholic.  She retired from the University of New Mexico as a Substance Abuse Counselor and also spent 20 years as a volunteer for the Barrett House Shelter for women and children.  In both of these roles, Minnie touched many lives with her wisdom and kindheartedness.

Minnie was known for her delicious tamales that she made during the holidays and had many loyal customers for over 40 years who would come in search of her during the holidays.  Her famous tamales were shipped all over the United States for people who were out of town visiting family.

Minnie’s Family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the many dedicated family members, friends, and medical staff for all of their enduring support, care, affection and love.  Please keep her in your prayers as she begins her journey with our Lord and Savior.

Minnie was deeply loved, and her quick and clever wit will be greatly missed by family, friends, and all who knew her.  A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2019, 9:00 a.m. with a Rosary to follow at 9:30 a.m. and a Mass to follow at 10:00 a.m., at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church at 5712 Paradise Blvd. NW. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park at 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. Pallbearers will be Michael Berg, Mike Sedillo, Judge Chavez, Lee Espinoza, Dominic Naranjo, Mark Naranjo and Honorary Pallbearer John Vravec.