 MARTINEZ, ELIZABETH DOLORES (LOPEZ) age 80, passed away peacefully at her Albuquerque home on Tuesday, November 6th. She was born to the late Rafael Lopez y G and Lucinda (Montoya) Lopez on May 18, 1932 in Socorro, New Mexico. She was preceded in death by her parents and by two brothers and a sister, Everardo Lopez, Max Lopez, and Lucinda (Lopez) Padilla. She is survived by her children, Vernon Martinez (Judy) and Elizabeth Toler (Stephen); and by her grandchildren, Sean, Marcus and Marissa Martinez, and Eduardo Barros and David Toler. She is also survived by two siblings, Maria (Lopez) Walsh and Raphael Lopez; as well many extended family members. She grow up in Socorro around a large extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and childhood friends which she remained close to all of her life. She graduated from Mount Carmel School in 1946, from Socorro High School in 1950 with Honors, and from the College of St. Joseph Albuquerque in 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. She later became a Master Teacher. She was an acquaintance of the Martinez family from San Pedro, NM during her childhood and befriended Eduardo in Albuquerque during their adult lives. They married in December of 1956 and remained married for 44 years until Eduardo's passing. She retired after 35 years in the APS school system in 1980. She was passionate in making a difference in the lives of her students during her career. She was also tended to her parent's needs until their passing for many years by making several trips a month back to Socorro. She traveled very little, usually only to visit relatives. A few of her favorite outings were to the Inn of the Mountain Gods to meet up with relatives from El Paso, a visit to San Francisco to reunite with her in-laws which included lots of laughs and frolic, and lastly her many visits with her sister Lucinda Padilla in Tulsa. She loved reading novels, working crossword puzzles and word games, and was very dedicated to her faith. Her church community was a comfort to her always. She enjoyed her grandchildren as they grew up around her and made a special commitment to their needs throughout the years whether they were milestones, illnesses, or celebrations. She will be missed by so many of the lives that she touched. A Rosary will be recited on Friday, November 16th at 6:00 PM at Daniels Family Funeral Home, 1100 Coal Ave., S.E. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, November 17th at 10:00 AM at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 5311 Phoenix Ave., N.E. A private interment will take place on Monday, November 19th to the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM. Arrangements entrusted to Daniels Family Funeral Services. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit: www.danielsfuneral.com
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