It is with great sadness that the family of Stella Martinez announces her passing on Wednesday January 15, 2026. She was a longtime resident of La Mesilla, New Mexico.

Stella was born to Ramon and Helen Salazar on September 15, 1939, and was raised in San Pedro, New Mexico. She was preceded in death by her parents, beloved son Jeff, her brothers Gilbert Salazar and Lee Salazar, her sister Angela Vigil (Alvin), her nephews Matthew Vigil and Steve Salazar, her niece Antoinette Salazar and sister-in-law Elaine Trujillo (David).

Stella's greatest joy in life was spending time with family and friends. She was an excellent cook and especially enjoyed cooking for her grandchildren. She enjoyed listening to music and loved dancing. As a single mother, she worked tirelessly to provide for her children. She faced life's challenges with dignity and an unbreakable spirit.

For over ten years, Stella endured an illness which slowly took her from her family and friends. However, as we remember Stella, we celebrate a life well-lived, marked by love, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to those she held dear. She will forever be missed by all who loved her.

Stella is survived by her daughters Shirley Esquibel (Clyde Sanchez) and Emmie Romero (David, brother Donald Salazar (Antonia), Grandchildren, Andrea Esquibel, Nycole Trujillo (Matthew), Amanda Valdez, and Kaitlin Sanchez. Great-grandchildren, Julien (Ashley), Jahsiah, Jonathen and Leyah Trujillo and Taliyah Bird, sister-in-law Vangie Salazar and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends whom she loved dearly.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff of Amber Care Hospice (Anna, Amber, Nancy and Janice) for the excellent care and compassion they provided Stella. We would like to also thank everyone who in any way helped care for our mom throughout the time she was ill. We will orever be grateful to all of you.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Father Ben, Father John, Deacón Dennis and Deirdre for their visits, prayers and the blessings bestowed upon Stella and to Father Sebastian for officiating Stella's Funeral Mass.

Services for Stella will be on Wednesday January 28, 2026, at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Espanola, New Mexico. The rosary will commence at 9:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30AM. Internment will follow the mass at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Cemetery.