Maria Christina "Kris" Martinez

Maria Christina “Kris” Sanchez Martinez was a loving mother, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and professional.  She passed away on February 8, 2023, at the age of 70, in Lakewood, CO. 

Kris was born December 8, 1952 in Artesia, NM.  She was athletic and loved water skiing, snow skiing, track and hurdles in her younger years. Kris loved and shared her Catholic faith with all those she knew.   She loved helping those in need and was always busy with giving someone a hand up. 

Kris served her community as a Social Security Administrator for over 30 years.  She is most known for her kindness and willingness to help those she served. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and served as regent for many years.  She was also a gracious landlord and business owner; who on Friday nights could be found admitting tickets at the Carlsbad Speedway.

Kris loved spending time with her family and friends. She had a beautiful smile, a great sense of humor, and a genuine, giving heart. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren play sports and spending quality time beside them. Her loving, caring example will be cherished and missed by those who love her.

Kris was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas D. Martinez; father Roman Sanchez; mother Petra Bernard Sanchez; step-mother Anita Sanchez; brothers: Augustine Sanchez, Sam Sanchez, and Raymond Bernard.

Kris is survived by sisters and brother: Nellie Garcia, Ernest Sanchez, Mary Olivas, Felicita Sanchez Chavez, and Flavia Sanchez Lopez; children: Joey Catano, Yvonne Allensworth, T.C. Martinez, Crystal Spelic; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at 4:30 PM, Sunday, February 19, 2023 at St. Edward Catholic Church followed by a vigil at 6:00 PM with Deacon Mel Balderrama officiating. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, February 20, 2023 at St. Edward Catholic Church with Fr. Pasala Hruday Kumar officiating.  Interment will follow in Santa Catarina Cemetery, Carlsbad, NM. A meal will be served immediately following at St. Edward Parish Hall.

Pallbearers will be Joseph Catano, Torrey Rodriguez, Ricco Martinez, Johnny Martinez, John Spelic and Jeff Bernard.