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Ortiz Y Pino -- One Month Memorial In Loving Memory of MELA ORTIZ Y PINO DE MARTIN June 12, 1918 - July 30, 1998 It's a month now that Mela has left us, but we would like for her relatives and friends that missed announcements to be aware of Mela's death and some of her background. Mela died Thursday night, July 30th, following a long, courageous bout with various illnesses. Mela was best known for the beautiful Christmas cards of the Madonna and Child that she and her husband, Robert Martin, created with photographs and history of the selected image for that year. They even exchanged cards with the royal family of Spain. Mela was born in Galisteo, NM. After graduating from high school, she attended Lorreto Heights College in Denver, where she studied sociology, Spanish and international relations. In 1943, she joined the U.S.O. and was sent to Tyler, Texas. Later she was transferred to Roswell, NM to manage two U.S.O. clubs. When the War ended, Mela returned to Santa Fe and chaired the youth committee of the National Council of Catholic Women. A U.S.O. club opened in Santa Fe in 1946, Ortiz y Pino was named its director. This is where she met her husband, Robert Martin. They married in 1950. In 1967, Mela was given the honor of being the only New Mexico woman to receive the Miembro Titular del Instituto de Cultura Hispanica de Madrid award from the Spanish government. In 1987, Mela presented Queen Sofia of Spain with photographs Robert had taken of the Queen, then a teenager, and her mother, Queen Fredrica of Greece, during a 1958 visit to Los Alamos National Laboratory. The Queen was so appreciative of the gift that she sent a thank-you note via telegram to the Martins. Mela is survived by her loving husband; her sister, Concha Ortiz y Pino de Kleven; and many loving relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, August 3, at St. Francis Cathedral. Interment followed at Rosario Cemetery. We miss you, Mela. Please pray for strength for your sister, Concha and Robert. Contributions can be made in Mela's memory to the American Cancer Society.
        Published on: Sun August 30, 1998