Josephine "JoJo" Martinez

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Josephine "JoJo" Martinez, age 51, on Sunday, March 21, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. As anyone who ever encountered JoJo knows, she was an extraordinary person. We have lost a bright light in our family and community, someone who lifted all of us with her unceasing encouragement, support, strength, and humor. Our heartbreak and grief are only tempered by our gratitude and love for all JoJo has been for us, and the rest and peace she now has. Our family mourns with all those who knew and loved JoJo, including so many of her friends and colleagues from the New Mexico Department of Transportation, and we give thanks for the time that she was among us.

JoJo was born on July 23, 1969 in Las Vegas, NM to Rosa Martinez and the late Jose Nerio Martinez. She grew up in Cleveland, NM and was a 1988 graduate of Mora High School, where she excelled as a basketball player for the Mora Rangerettes. JoJo considered herself blessed to have been able to live in her beloved Hawaii before relocating and entering the workforce in New Mexico. JoJo was employed by Hasse Construction as a concrete mason before starting her career as a public servant in various roles with NMDOT. In 2005, JoJo was named Employee of the Year for both District 4 and Statewide at the NMDOT and she would eventually become the first female supervisor for the La Cueva Patrol. At the time of her retirement in 2020, JoJo was serving as the Occupational Health and Safety Supervisor for District 4 in Las Vegas, NM.

On June 15, 2020 in Mora, JoJo married Jennifer Griego, her longtime partner of 12 years. Together, they enjoyed companionship, adventure, laughter, and love.
JoJo was preceded in death by her father, Jose Nerio Martinez; her sister, Tonie Trujillo; and brother-in-law, Ben Bustos. She is survived by her spouse, Jennifer of Albuquerque; son, Charlie and daughter-in-law, Justine of Albuquerque. JoJo's pride and joy were her granddaughters, Kailey Rose and Everly Madison Martinez of Albuquerque. She is also survived by her loving mother, Rosa Martinez of El Aguila; sisters, Marcy Bustos of Cleveland, Mary Helen Casados (Frank) of Pecos, Angela Salazar (Marc) of Albuquerque, and Julie Martinez of El Aguila; mother-in-law, Norma Aragon of Albuquerque; father-in-law, Patrick Griego of Guadalupita; sister-in-law, Justeen Griego of Albuquerque; brother-in-law, Jamie Griego of Sydney, Australia; brother-in-law, Fidel Trujillo of LeDoux; and Goddaughter, Maria Angelica Salazar of Albuquerque. JoJo is survived by numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and other relatives with whom she enjoyed very special and unique bonds. She is survived by many friends, neighbors, and co-workers.

In her typical loving way, JoJo left everything well cared for and nothing unresolved. For those she may have wronged, JoJo asked for forgiveness. For the many that she helped, she wished she could have done more. For those she could not help, she asked for understanding. And for all who helped her in ways big and small, JoJo was grateful for all you did.

A private viewing and celebration of life will be held for immediate family at FRENCH - Westside. The Rosary will be recited on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Mass at 11:00 a.m., at St. Gertrude's Church in Mora, NM. JoJo will ultimately be laid to rest next to her dad at the San Antonio Catholic Cemetery in Cleveland, NM.