Kathy Diane Martinez, 54, passed away peacefully and surrounded by her loving family on September 2, 2026, in Espanola, New Mexico. She was born on September 13, 1971, in Tucumcari, New Mexico.

Kathy will be remembered as a very kind and caring woman whose gentle nature touched both her family and the many people she served throughout her life. She was selfless in countless ways, often placing the needs of others before her own. A very hard worker, she devoted herself to providing for the beautiful family she loved so deeply. Her work was more than a job to her. As a caregiver, she was devoted to her patients, grew attached to many of them, and became a source of comfort and compassion in their lives. To many, she was truly an angel.

Outside of work, Kathy found joy in caring for those she loved in the ways she knew best. She loved to cook, and her kitchen was filled with warmth, love, and the comforting aromas of some of her favorite dishes, including enchiladas, homemade bread, and homemade fudge. She put her heart into every meal she prepared. She also had a well-known love for sweets and candy, something her grandchildren especially knew and smiled about.

Her greatest happiness was her family. When she was not working, she spent as much time as she could with her children and grandchildren, and every moment shared with her became a treasured memory. Her children will always remember family outings to restaurants and various other places with her, simple times that meant so much because they were spent together. She always remembered to celebrate birthdays and Holidays, and even when work kept her busy, she made time to celebrate and be present with the people she loved. Her family, including her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild, were her proudest accomplishments, and she remained deeply family-oriented throughout her life. Kathy also attended Valley Baptist Church in Arroyo Seco, where her faith was part of the life she built around love, service, and family.

She is survived with deep love by her sons, Eric Martinez (Barbara) and Daren Martinez (Kayla); by her grandchildren, Angelica Trujillo (Timmy), Joshua Chavez, Trinity Lucero, Kiana Martinez, and Cruzito Martinez; by her great-grandchild, Ezra Chavez; by her mother, Pasquala Martinez; and by her siblings, Julian Martinez (Brenda), Jimmy Martinez (Josephine), and Jeanette Tsosie (Toby). She leaves behind a family who will carry her memory forward with love and gratitude, holding close the many meals, celebrations, conversations, and everyday moments that made her so special.

She was preceded in death by her father, Cruz Martinez, and by her brother, Baby Martinez.

Service Details will be announced as soon as possible.

The family of Kathy have entrusted the caring professionals at Rivera Family Funeral Home of Espanola to support them during this time. Our heartfelt condolences to all.

The family of Kathy Martinez extends heartfelt gratitude to all family members and cherished friends who supported her, checked on her, and visited with her. Kathy’s life was one of love, sacrifice, and care for others, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.