Patricia Rebecca Martinez June 8, 1932 - May 18, 2009 Patricia Rebecca Martinez, 76, passed suddenly of natural causes on Monday, May 18, 2009 in Grand Junction, Colorado. On this day, our Mother, Grandmother, Teacher, Advisor, Counselor and our Greatest Inspiration was called home.

As the matriarch of a large extended family, Patricia leaves a legacy of compassion, unity and a sense of humor to her five grown children and their families. As the family elder, she left us with the understanding, love and resilience that all families need to overcome life's obstacles and to pursue a life of happiness.

Patricia married Joe Onofre Martinez of Monte Vista, Colorado in 1952. Together they raised five children, Alan, Michael, Joseph, Patricia and Cynthia before his passing in 1968. Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; her parents, and her brothers, Jose H. Martinez, Emanuel (Murello) Martinez, and Johnny Gallegos; sisters, Mary Martinez, Margaret Valdez, Theresa Clemit and Josie Santistevan. She is survived by sisters, Pauline Dixon of San Diego, California and Eva Lopez of Espanola, New Mexico.

All of her children survive her, Alan (Geri Gardunio) Martinez, Michael (Linda) Martinez, Joseph (Laura) Martinez, Patty (Frank) Bargas, and Cynthia (Matthew) Monroe. She is survived by 16 grandchildren, Mateo (Nancy) Martinez, Anita (Fidel) Jiron, Gerald Martinez, Brandy (Steven) Bishop, Ricky (Joanna) Rodriguez, Christina (Roman) Podwinski, Ray (Jennifer) Henson, Alejandra Martinez, Karen Martinez, Joseph (Jessica) Schafer, Crystal (Miguel) Martinez, Rafael Martinez, Marissa (Levi) Johnson, Michaela McGrady, Alyssa McGrady, and Mike McGrady.

She is also survived by 16 great grandchildren, Analicia Jiron, Santiago Jiron, Diego Jiron, Kiyah Martinez, Isabelle Martinez, Marshall Martinez, Natalia Martinez, Juan Michael Martinez, Angelika Bishop, Dylan Upchurch, Alexis Henson, Everett Ray Henson Jr., Keely Schafer, Payton Schafer, Joshua Martinez, and Ethan Johnson. She was looking forward to welcoming two new great grandchildren to her family later this year.

Patricia Martinez is a legacy descendant of Spanish settlers who first came to the "New World" in the late 1500s. She was born June 8, 1932 in Alamosa, Colorado to parents Antonio Maria Martinez and Rebecca Romero of the northern New Mexico and Conejos, Colorado areas. A rosary and memorial service was held Wednesday night in Grand Junction, Colorado at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary. A second rosary will be held on Thursday, May 21st at 7:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 715 4th Street, Alamosa, Colorado. A viewing will be held from 9 - 12:30 p.m. at Romero Funeral Home in Alamosa, CO. A funeral mass in honor of Patricia will be held on Friday, May 22nd at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Alamosa. Burial will follow at Alamosa Municipal Cemetery, 2150 State Avenue, Alamosa, Colorado. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her. She lives forever in our hearts.