Esther M. Martinez

Esther Mares Martinez, 96 joined our Heavenly Father on July 20, 2025. She was born on May 28, 1929 in Santa Fe, NM to Manuel and Teresa Mares. She is preceded in death by her husband Frank L. Martinez, her son Leonard Martinez, her daughter Carmen Martinez. She was also preceded in death by her parents Manuel & Teresa Mares, sisters: Teya (Jim) Vincent, Lena (John) Norton, Consuelo (Roy) Martinez, Erlinda (Fred) Herrera and her brothers, Ernie Mares, Joe Mares, Manuel Mares, Frank (Mary) Mares.

Esther was the matriarch of the family and was devoted to them. She will leave a void her family cannot fill. She worked in the insurance industry. Attended St. Francis Elementary and graduated from Loretto Academy. Esther enjoyed spending time with her family and playing poker. She is survived by her children, Christine Luchetti & Steve Seitz, Esther Martinez, Edward Martinez, Mary Jo & Anthony Rodriguez, Geraldine & Lawrence Romero, Frank Martinez. Grandchildren: Rick & Margo Casados, Lynette Luchetti, Celina & Chris Meyer, Jolene & Carlos Bueno, Carmella & Scott Caceres, Jessica Romero, Sabrina & Ervey Montijo, Stephanie & Jon Castro, Alex Rodriguez & Annie, Adam Rodriguez & Shannon, Francisco Martinez, Celina & Jon Rincon. Great grandchildren: Niko, Sebastian, Brandon, Dylan, Amariz, Ciana, Leilani, Derek, Tyler, Damian, Raelyn and Lucas. Jennie Mares, sister-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers: Lawrence Romero, Anthony Rodriguez, Steve Seitz, Francisco Martinez, Alex Rodriguez and Adam Rodriguez. Honorary pallbearers: Andrew, Rick, Chris, Ervey, Jon, Scott, Brandon, Damian, Derek, Dylan, Tyler, Sebastian, Lucas.

A viewing and rosary will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on August 5, 2025 at Rivera Family Funerals, Cremations & Memorial Gardens, 417 East Rodeo Rd. 

A mass will be held on August 6, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. A graveside service will be held at the National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. followed by a farewell reception at The Fraternal of the Eagles 833 Early Street, Santa Fe, NM.