Querina Martinez was born to Edward and Clorinda (Mary) Martinez and raised in La Jara, Colo. Querina and Joseph (Tony) were high school sweethearts, homecoming Queen and King, they were married Aug. 8, 1957. Soon after marriage they moved to Spokane, Wash., where Tony served in the Air Force.
In the early 60’s, they returned to La Jara to raise their six children at their farm and ranch. Tony and Q enjoyed watching their children participate in sports, 4-H, and various other activities. Querina was a devout member of the St. Joseph Catholic Parish in La Jara, she played the organ, piano, guitar and sang for many celebrations. She participated in the La Jara Rotary Club for over 20 years as the club’s musician.
After raising the children, she went to school and earned a degree in Education, and later a Master’s degree. She taught school in Espanola, N.M., for several years then accepted a position as elementary music teacher in Alamosa. Tony and Q enjoyed many adventures, going to horse races, and travelling to see children and grandchildren for all their activities.
She retired from teaching and continued her work with the church choir playing for services, weddings and funerals. Over the years, she enjoyed going to the opera in Santa Fe, meeting with her girlfriends, the “Mis Amigas”, and spending time with family and grandkids. You may have found her filling the house with music as she played piano or with delicious smells from baking. She enjoyed visiting with family and friends and recounting history, she never knew a stranger.
Querina is survived by her loving family including her dedicated husband Tony, children Marty (Melissa) Martinez, Mark (Scott) Martinez, Valerie (Chuck) Finnegan, Naomi (Randy) Keys, Tiffany Martinez, and Mario (Moria) Martinez, 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, also her brother Orlando (Amanda) Martinez, Bonnie Martinez and Vickie Martinez.
She was preceded in death by her parents, son Anthony, and brother Nickie.
She will be greatly missed by all who loved her, especially her husband Tony.
There will be a viewing on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at 3 p.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Church in La Jara, Colo., with a rosary following at 4 p.m. Also at Our Lady of the Valley Church in La Jara, Colo., mass of the resurrection will be held on Nov. 16, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Church in the La Jara, Colo., with interment to follow at the La Jara Cemetery.
To leave online condolences, please visit romerofuneralhomes.com. Romero Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.
