Regina Martinez

Regina Martinez, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother,
passed away peacefully in Albuquerque on September 25, 2023, at the
remarkable age of 96. She was born on September 7, 1927, in Santa
Cruz, New Mexico, to her loving parents, Serafina Quintana Delgado and
Alfredo Montoya. Regina's journey through life was marked by love and a
deep commitment to her family.

Regina was preceded in death by her husband Delfin Martinez,
mother Serafina Delgado, father Alfredo Montoya, brother Antanacio
Montoya, and son-in-law Frank Kindel. She is survived by her sister
Rommie Compher, her seven children, Linda Kindel, Eloise and Henry
Hidalgo, Elizabeth and Greg Cruz, Erica and Maurice Segovia, Del
Martinez and Sonya Lee, Don Martinez and Gene McGrew, and Daniel and Zoé Martinez,
11 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild
with more on the way!

Regina's early years were filled with academic achievements and
leadership roles. She graduated from Santa Cruz de la Canada Catholic
School, where she had numerous long-time friendships.
While working various jobs in Santa Fe, Regina's life took a
momentous turn when she attended a dance at Kirtland Air Force Base
NCO on July 26, 1947. It was there that she met the love of her life, Delfin
"Del" Martinez. Their connection was immediate, and during the Santa Fe
fiestas, Del proposed to her on their third date. The couple exchanged
vows on June 14, 1948, at the Holy Cross Santa Cruz de La Canada
church, beginning a remarkable journey together.

Regina and Del's union was blessed with the gift of beautiful
children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild.
Regina's dream of having a large and loving family came true, and she
cherished every moment spent with her beloved descendants. She once
wrote, "Del and I have been so blessed with such a big, beautiful family
that has made us so proud. Thank you! Plus, you are all smart, it’s like
icing on the cake, what a bonus! I thank God indeed, for my cup runneth
over."

Regina's affection extended beyond her immediate family, and
she held a special place in her heart for her extended family, including
numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, her dear sister Rommie, her nieces and
her brother, "Tane" Atanacio Montoya, and his family, all whom she loved
deeply. She shared an extraordinary bond with her aunt "sister," Gloria,
the youngest daughter of her grandparents. Many of Regina's fondest
memories were of growing up with Gloria and raising their families
together.

Her values of honesty and respect were deeply ingrained in her,
and she attributed them to her strong relationship with her mother.
Regina's commitment to these values shaped her character and
influenced those around her.
During her lifetime, Regina worked on and off, both as a medical
secretary and assistant for Dr. Bass of Albuquerque, NM, and dedicated
over 20 years of her life to volunteering at Presbyterian Hospital, where
she provided valuable support and care to patients.
Regina was a devoted mother and wife. She was a member of
Our Lady of Assumption for over 45 years, where she found spiritual
strength.

One of Regina's most cherished times was Christmas Eve, where
she was surrounded by the family that now carries on her legacy. She was
immensely grateful for the lifetime she shared with her husband and
family. Her legacy is alive in the 45 direct descendants she leaves behind
and, in the love, laughter, and joy she brought into their lives.
Regina's family and friends will gather to celebrate her life at a
Rosary Monday October 9, 6:00 pm at French’s Funerals & Cremations
10600 Lomas Blvd NE 87112 and a funeral service on October 10, 11:00
am at Our Lady of Assumption on 811 Guaymas Pl NE Albuquerque
87108. Interment will follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.
Regina Martinez was a beacon of love, grace, and strength, and
her memory will forever shine brightly in the hearts of those who were
privileged to know her. She leaves behind a legacy of love and family that
will continue to inspire and uplift generations to come.