Lydia Iola Martinez

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Lydia Iola Martinez, aged 90. A lifelong resident of El Prado, NM, Lydia passed away on October 20, 2024, surrounded by family.

Lydia was born on April 18, 1934, in Taos, NM, the daughter of the late Malaquias Martinez Jr. and Celina Trujillo Martinez. Raised on the family farm in El Prado, she had very fond memories of her childhood. As the oldest daughter, Lydia shared a close bond with her three sisters, whom she loved dearly.

She graduated from Taos High School in 1955 and then attended Long Beach City College in Long Beach, California.

Lydia had three children who were the light of her life. She was a wonderful and loving mother who would do anything for her children. She had five grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved very much. She will be dearly missed.

She later met her late husband, Victor Martinez, with whom she shared 38 years until his passing on March 3, 2023.

Lydia is preceded in death by her husband, Victor Martinez; great-granddaughter, Imani Mae Medina; parents, Malaquias Martinez Jr. and Celina Martinez; stepfather, Esperion Martinez; father of her children, Benito Medina; and brother-in-law, Manuel (Manjo) Trujillo.

She is survived by her children: Catherine Medina, Victoria Espinoza (Michael), and Edward Medina (Marsha); grandchildren: Carlos Espinoza (Vanessa), Tomas Espinoza, Melissa Espinoza, Christine Serrano (Paul), and Marcos Medina; great-grandchildren: Eli, Ava, Emma, Mia, Indiana, Derek, Lorenzo, Enrique, Rosalyia, and Amrey; stepson, Ted Martinez (Michelle); sisters: Marie Martinez de Trujillo, Hope Parmelee (Gary), and Emily Romero (Louie); goddaughter, Lisa Martinez; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

A public viewing will be held at 10:30 AM with a memorial service to follow at 11 AM on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at the LDS Church at 307 Camino de Santiago, Taos, NM 87571.

A rosary will be recited on October 30, 2024, at 9:00 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, followed by a funeral mass at 10:00 AM. Interment will immediately follow at the Dolores Cemetery in El Prado, NM.