Gloria Martinez

In Loving Memory

Gloria F. Schmidt Martinez was born at St. Joseph Hospital June 28, 1928 to Stephen Schimdt and Anita Ruiz in Albuquerque.

She moved to Modesto, California in her late teens and she married her love Alfred Martinez Jr., a serviceman in the Navy, in 1947, who then passed in 1980. Gloria had five children, of which three survived, and she endured the hardships of raising a family as a serviceman’s wife. She moved back to Albuquerque in 1954.

She worked as a candy striper, under the supervision of nuns, and later became a nurse’s aide, for over 30 years, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, where she earned the nicknames "Granny" and "The Cat Woman." She was an advocate for the elderly and animals, an enthusiastic gardener, loved dancing especially the jitter bug, loved golf and football, a "collector" of salt and pepper shakers, reveled in bargain shopping, indulged in sweets of all types, a passionate debater, played to win, was witty and humorous, a night owl, and a light sleeper. She would never leave the house without nice hair, red lipstick, and her teeth.

Gloria peacefully passed away surrounded by family in her home and went to the Lord on Sunday, September 1, 2019. Gloria is survived by her sons Alfred B. Martinez III, Carl Martinez, and John Jacob Martinez, her grandchildren Veronica Bachicha, Jeannett Martinez and husband, Zachary Lopez, and Elizabeth Martinez, three great grandchildren Milani Roman, Chelsea Lopez, and Stephanie Bachicha, and many loving family members on her side and her husband’s side. A Viewing will be held from 6:00-7:00 pm on Friday, September 6, 2019 with a Prayer service to follow at 7:00 pm at Garcia Mortuary Chapel of Angels, on the corner of 8th and Iron. Interment to take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 9:45 am on Monday, September 9, 2019.

To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.garciamortuary.com

Garcia Mortuary

717 Stover Ave. SW

Albuquerque, NM 87102

505-243-5222