Betty J. Martinez
Betty J. (Cunico) Martinez, 83 years of age, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 03, 2023 with her family by her side after a long illness. Betty was born June 12, 1940, in Raton, New Mexico to Margaret Marchioro (deceased) and Joe Cunico (deceased). She is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years Ernest J. Martinez.
Betty was the oldest in a family of six and helped care for all her younger siblings. She loved make-up, music, sewing, reading, tinkering around on her computer, family genealogy, traveling to gigs and spending time with her family. There were no strangers to Betty she made friends everywhere she went. She was always first to lend a helping hand or give her last dollar. Betty was All-State in Chorus in high school and went on to play piano with the Fireballs. Betty raised four children and was a homemaker and team mom.
She is survived by her children: Steve (Cindy) Martinez, Debbie (Donny) Tesso, Gina Martinez, Delfinio (Tracy) Martinez; Brothers and sisters: Barbara (Lolo/deceased) Martinez, Mary Ann (Gene Salas), Joseph Cunico III, Franklin Cunico and Gene Ray Marchioro; grandchildren: Eric Martinez, Andre Martinez, Andrea (Mondo) Martinez, D’Ette (Ryan) Kellner, D’Anna (Louis) Tesso, Devyn Martinez, Endreina Martinez and Leo Martinez; great-grandchildren: Malaya Martinez, Hayden Martinez, Emilio Martinez, Draiden Martinez, Khloe Desiderio, Tristan Kellner, Isla Kellner, Ozias Becerra, Michelle (Dominic) Sanchez-Elliott, Nolan, Creed, Luke and baby boy on the way, Darin (Amanda) Brann-Addison, Emily, Luke, Gabriella, Isabella and Samson.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 13, at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church at 213 Smith Street, Grants NM. Rosary at 9:30, Mass at 10 and burial will follow at Grants Memorial Park.