Wilma Martinez

Wilma C Martinez passed away Wednesday September 6th at the age of 84 in Las Cruces, NM. Wilma lived in Colorado prior to 2021 with her husband Manuel and they were married for 58 wonderful years together. She was an accomplished and successful career woman as a Cost Accountant for Martin Marietta and then transitioning to a Real Estate career prior to retirement. Wilma’s love for her family was her biggest priority and she dedicated herself to providing unconditionally for them. Even at a young age she contributed to her parents and siblings to make sures they were taken care of, and no one went without basic necessities, Birthday presents, or Christmas presents. She was especially thrilled to enjoy her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She devoted her time to making sure the grandchildren had special time with her as they spent every Fridays with her on Nanny Day!

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Manual, both parents Fred and Georgia Castellano and a brother Edward Castellano. Wilma is survived by daughters: Jacqueline Lopez (Phil Lopez) and Diana Martinez (Bob Eckhardt), 4 grandchildren: Michael Lopez (Aimee Arens), Jessi Nelson (Kyle Nelson), Hannah Gertje (Connor Gertje) and Elise Reeves (Reid Thomas) and 2 great grandsons: Isaiah Anibas-Lopez and Maxwell Nelson as well as her Siblings: Helen Haggstrom, Frances Castellano, Fred Castellano, and MaryAnn Castellano.

Gifts/Narrative of Wilma Martinez

1. Wilma had incredible strength and faith: Wilma was incredibly strong and resilient. She persevered through a difficult childhood spending 4 years at an orphanage when her Mother was very ill. She never lost faith or got beaten down. She stayed strong, persevered and learned that hard work was the only path toward reaching her goals and dreams. She even kept working long after she could have retired because she just didn't know how to quit.

2. Wilma was devoted: Taking care of her family when she was younger was her top priority. She made sure her younger siblings always had Christmas and birthday gifts. Her favorite times were when the family would get together for holidays and celebrations.

3. Wilma was selfless and loved unconditionally: Wilma’s greatest joy was being a Grandma, and Great-Grandma. She gave them all the gift of unconditional love, a safe foundation where they could learn about being their best. She was such a big part of their upbringing. She was able to set aside Friday’s when they were younger to nurture them, spend time with them and make precious memories with them. They still talk about their Nanny Days.

4. Wilma was a giving, caring person: Wilma gave the gift of her time and loved to do things for others. She gladly joined Manual at the many events hosted by the Knights of Columbus where he was a 4th Degree Knight. She also received a Volunteer of the Year Award for her work with La Plaza de Los Leones which benefited the Youth in Walsenburg, CO. She was a friend to so many people and welcomed them into our family, showing them that they were important to her. She loved to do things for others and providing significant and reliable gifts depending on their need.

5. Wilma was brave: There were many things she was afraid of, but she didn't let that hold her back. She embarked on a corporate career when there weren’t many women in the workplace yet. She was terrified of water but she learned to waterski so the family could enjoy our summers boating. She was terrified of “critters”, but she endured camping and even moved to the country when she retired.

6. Wilma lived life to the fullest: Wilma never rested. She loved going out dancing, bowling, boating and golfing. She was always on the go, even up to her last full day when she went to her line dancing class.