Kathryn Perez Martinez's Obituary
Kathryn Perez Martinez passed away at home on August 20, 2022, at the age of 94. She was
born on October 14, 1927, in Lone Tree, Colorado to Benjamin and Frances Perez; the second of
four daughters.
She was raised in Pagosa Junction, Colorado until her teenage years at which time she moved to
Santa Fe, New Mexico with a few of her close friends.
She married Frank Martinez on August 12, 1951. Together they raised 10 children; 5 girls and 5
boys, which was often a challenge. Mom was determined to raise her family with love and care.
Mom was self-taught, learning to cook, bake and crochet. All of which she passed on to her
kids and grandkids; anyone who wanted to learn. She was an amazing cook and always
provided delicious and nutritious meals for our family. Although she was weak and in so much
pain towards the end, she still insisted on cooking for our family, as she said to us many times,
that she had to keep on moving.
Mom and Dad loved going to dances with their friends throughout the years. She loved their
trips to Wendover, trips to Southern Utah with her grandkids, their trip to Mexico and loved
going to concerts throughout many years with family. She loved the music of The Monkees,
George Straight, and Dwight Yoakam. Her memory was sharp, and she could tell you every
concert she went to, with who and the year they went.
For many years before her pain became intolerable, she loved watching movies, reading books,
and talking about good old times. She was easy to please, always happy to tag along to lunch,
trips to antique and yarn stores and occasionally taking a craft class or two. She enjoyed
lunching with her work friends and grandkids at ZCMI in Cottonwood Mall. These times were
very special to her.
She knew her grandkids well and enjoyed spending time with them, especially if the time was
spent learning how to cook or bake or how to crochet, teaching both granddaughters and
grandsons. Birthdays were always special to her. She made sure to cook our favorite meal and
often this was accompanied by a beautiful handmade Afghan or doily.
Mom worked various jobs throughout her life including St. Marks Hospital and St. Joseph Villa
as a nurse’s aide, Parker Hannifin and her last being Becton Dickinson from where she retired.
Her longest and hardest job was that of Mother and Grandmother and raising her family; one
she held until the very end.
Mom was strong, hardworking, kindhearted, and extremely generous with a hint of feisty. She
opened her home to family and friends and often to those who needed a place to stay.
Kathryn is survived by Eleanor Perez Notarianni, Sylvia Tuft (Jeff Orn), Linda (Ken) Petersen, Pat
(Kevin) Willey, Frankie (Lori) Martinez, Cindy Martinez, Alex Martinez (Gail Brault), Alice (Randy)
Brandon, Felix Martinez, Rick Martinez, Florence Sanchez and our dog Simon who was a
companion and friend. She leaves a legacy of 47 grandchildren, 71 great grandchildren, and 3
great-great grandchildren.
We lost a very special woman- mother, grandmother, friend, and companion. Thank you, Mom
for all your love and care for us. You were a wonderful Mother, and we will cherish our
memories of you. You are loved and dearly missed.
She is preceded in death by both parents, sisters, husband- Frank, son- Robert (Bob),
granddaughters- Cheryl and Christina, Grandson- Cody, great granddaughter- Bella, great
grandson- Cash and son in laws- Doug Norberg, Frank Notorianni and Elmer Sanchez.
There will be no viewing or funeral service in Utah. Her final resting place will be in Pagosa
Junction, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to NAMI. (National Alliance on
Mental Illness)
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