Mary Ann Martinez

Mary Ann Martinez, ne Salazar, born 09/02/24 in Velarde, New Mexico, glided peacefully into Heaven on 11/19/18 after 94 years on this earth. Very possibly the sweetest, gentlest, most caring and uncontentious woman/dame to ever grace us and this corner of the planet, her loss affects many.

Widowed in 2002, she is preceded in death by Lee Martinez and daughter Marilyn in 2011. Her loved ones, brother Juan Salazar (West Point); children Eric Lee Martinez (Lynette) and Leslie Arleen Heimberg (Swen); along with 8 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren remain in a natural state of immense grief and sorrow.

Regardless of our mournful mood, our love is undying and despite all, we recognize and are elated she can again visit with loved ones who long ago departed.

One of 11 offspring comprised of 8 boys and 3 girls, Mary married Liberato (Lee) Martinez in 1951. From the high desert of New Mexico, both soon made their way northward settling in Salt Lake.

In 1952 Marilyn arrived. To Mary's utter despair, Marilyn preceded her in death in 2011 due to lingering illness. Mary never fully recovered from her loss.

Eric Lee then followed in 1956 and Leslie Arleen in 1961. Mary's 3 children produced 8 grandchildren as follows: Brittany, Ryan Memmott, Tony Martinez, Jackie Searle, Kelly Martinez, Brandon Heimberg, Jordan Heimberg, and Colton Heimberg. Each was her "favorite".

For many years, Mary and her children traveled the state extensively in support of the construction/ insulation business Lee operated. It provided for myriad family-style experiences which elude most.

Following her late husband's death 16 years ago, Mary continued to enjoy life, but as decade 9 set in, life's normal wear and tear began manifesting itself. She is now at peace and reunited with her vast circle of loved ones who went ahead.

Mary, mostly timid, but decisive in her very own way, will always be remembered for her tenderness with othersregardless of reciprocity. In other words, she always treated others with kindness no matter what. A trait to which we can all aspire.

For years her delights included very regular bingo affairs at the St. Francis Xavier Parish. A woman of the complete faith, she rarely ventured far from her Mass attendances and the like.

As we all continue with our lives, please remember in your hearts her never wavering sweetness, her constant cooking tasks, and cherish Mary for the absolute kind and beautiful spirit she possesses.

Rest in ever loving peace Mary, Mom, Grandma, and good neighbor. We will miss you like you'll never know.

Viewing held 11/25/18 from 6:00-8:00 pm at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 So. Redwood Rd., Taylorsville. Another viewing will be held at the same location on 11/26/18, 1:30-2:30 p.m. followed by funeral services to memorialize Mary's life at 2:30 p.m. Interment, Valley View Memorial Park.

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Mary Ann Martinez, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.