Catalina Anita Tafoya-Martinez

Catalina “Katie” Martinez age 91 passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Monday, April 15, 2024. She was born March 3, 1933 in El Carmen, NM to her loving parents Praxedes and Estefanita Tafoya. Katie attended El Carmen Elementary school and Mora high school. Being raised on a ranch was one of her favorite memories growing up. She always remembered riding horseback around the ranch with her sister Lisha checking on the farm.

Katie was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, cousin, Nina and friend. Her genuine ability to love and care for others was always the foundation to her success. Principles instilled from her loving and hard-working parents. She was the youngest sibling of twelve brothers and sisters. She joyfully told others she was 12 of 12.

Katie met the love of her life Alfonso Martinez in 1950. She fondly remembered him saying “It was the happiest moment when he encountered the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Calling it love at first sight. She completely stole his heart.” Keeping true to tradition, Alfonso’s parents accompanied him to ask Katie’s parents for her hand in marriage. In a blushing reply she wrote, “Yes Mom and Dad, I want to get married. “When the priest asked Alfonso when they planned to get married, he eagerly replied, “As soon as possible father.” These significant memories were cherished and remembered throughout their 66 years of marriage. They were joined in holy Matrimony on January 3, 1951. They were a solid testament of what true love is. They had 10 beautiful children.

Katie‘s career life was full. As a kindergarten teacher, she loved working with and taking care of children.  That love and gift of taking care of others carried into working as a nurses aid at Cibola General Hospital. As an entrepreneur, she worked for various marketing companies. Most notably, Electrolux. She became a household name, “Katie The Electrolux Lady.” Her outstanding success earned her many accolades and prestigious awards. She always left a lasting impression. She loved abundantly and unconditionally. She had extraordinary faith throughout her life and always professed the words, “Jesus I trust in you.” She had the love of Jesus in her heart. You could not have asked for a better mother, grandmother, or friend. She will forever be missed and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.

Katie was preceded in death by her husband Alfonso, her daughter Donna Martinez, two grandsons, Joseph Taylor and Kevin Martinez and son-in-law Clayton Rowley.

She is survived by her children, James Martinez, Doris Martinez-Rowley, Joan Martinez-Gallagher (TerryGallagher), Robert Martinez, Kathy Martinez, Patrick Martinez, Louie Martinez, Audrey Martinez and Valerie Martinez. 9 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren. 

ROSARY:              Monday, April 29, 2024 Visitation 5:00 PM Rosary 6:00 PM

                               St. Teresa Catholic Church 

                               213 Smith St

                                Grants, NM 87020

                               Reception to follow:

                               Knights of Columbus 

                               1601 Roosevelt Ave

                               Grants, NM 87020

FUNERAL MASS: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 10:00 AM

                                 St. Teresa Catholic Church 

                                 213 Smith St

                                 Grants, NM 87020

                                 Reception to follow: 

                                 Knights of Columbus 

                                 1601 Roosevelt Ave

                                 Grants, NM 87020

BURIAL:                  Wednesday, May 1, 2024 1:00 PM

                                  Santa Fe National Cemetery

                                  501 North Guadalupe St

                                  Santa Fe, NM 87501