Marie Lilia Balerio passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Dec.14. She was born on May 9, 1926 in Monte Vista, Colorado. Her birth parents were Donaciano and Rebecca Martinez, and she was adopted and raised by Donaciano’s older brother, Narcizo Martinez and his wife, Muriel Carrington Martinez.
Marie spent her childhood growing up on a farm, going to church and dances, and riding horses. She attended school in Conejos and Antonito, Colorado. She was an avid reader and enjoyed playing cards and telling jokes. Marie married Raymond Frank Balerio in 1947. They made Grand Junction their home in 1955, where they raised their seven children together. A kind and warm soul, she loved her family and spent every possible minute with them.
Marie is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Raymond, and two sons, Lawrence Balerio and Steve Balerio. Her deceased siblings include Patsy Martinez, Juanita Rael, Armand Marchant and Petrolino Martinez. She is survived by her sons, Julian (Josephine) Balerio, Don (Eva) Balerio and Gerald (Olga) Balerio, and her daughters, Pauline Gallegos and Diane (Phil) Raimer. She also is survived by five siblings: Lucy Rael, Cecilia Valdez, Don Martinez Jr., Jimmy Martinez and Lawrence Martinez.
At the time of her passing ,Marie had 18 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren.
