Magdalene L. (Passarelli) Martinez

Magdalene “Madge” Lenore Martinez, a lifelong resident of Denver, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, at the age of 89. Madge was born to Sam and Francis Passeralli on December 23, 1936, in Denver, Colorado. She was raised alongside her brothers, Sam, Ron, Kenny, and sister Pat. Nicknamed “Sister“ growing up as the first daughter to Sam and Belle. She was raised on the West side of Denver, in the neighborhood now known as Auraria.

Madge attended West High School, where she enjoyed going to the various school dances, we all know she loved to dance. She passed that love on to her youngest son Michael. At West High School, she received good grades and was a Class of 1954 graduate. She forged many of her lifelong friendships. Betty, Nori, and Joanne were a few of her good friends. This is where she would find the love of her life, Tommy.

Madge and Tom were married on March 23, 1956 and were married for 70 years. They had three children, Gina, Steven and Michael. Madge and Tom would take their kids on many road trip vacations over the years. She loved all her children, but sadly Michael passed away in April 2019. Madge was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

Madge worked at various jobs, with her longest and last being at A. D. Radinsky and Sons, Inc. She was a switchboard operator and helped with invoices before leaving to be a homemaker and raise her three children. She often talked about how she enjoyed working there with her friends Nori and Yvonne.

Madge loved dancing, going out to lunch with “the girls”, and shopping. Nothing brightened her day more than a phone call from a loved one or looking through family photos. Madge’s world revolved around her family. Her home was often the heart of family gatherings, filled with laughter and the warmth of her presence. This continued through December 2024, when her dementia evolved into Alzheimer’s disease, which ultimately took her life.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Frances Passarelli, her brothers Sam Jr and Ron, her great-grandson Lyric, her son Michael and husband Tom. She is survived by her loving children Gina (Veronica) Martinez and Steven (Renee) Martinez.

She also leaves behind a legacy of love in her four grandchildren Jessica (Brandon) Mauracher, Chad (Avalon) Valdez, Kasandra (Jeff) Payne and Steven Martinez.

She will miss her great grandchildren Carsen, Lucas and Bennett Mauracher, Charlotte and Jameson Payne, and Zepher and Ignacio Valdez.

Also survived by many other family members and friends. She will be remembered as a woman of strength, grace, and unwavering devotion to those she held dear.