Martha Mary Herrera

Martha was born on April 11, 1922 to Jose Onesimo and Maria Zenaida Pacheco in Walsenburg, Colorado. Martha passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2015, at the age of 93, while being visited and comforted by her loving family, and her many friends at Sandalwood Manor in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

Martha was the 2nd of 12 children. A family so large that it extends from Pueblo and Denver in Colorado; to California; North to Alaska; and, East to New York. This family joyously came together in Denver this past May for its first reunion since 1998.

Martha was loved dearly by her friends and her family, and was known for her independent spirit. She loved driving to Pueblo to visit her sisters; or, spending the day “up in the hills.” Martha loved good food and her sweets. She was known for her baking and cooking, and because she so treasured the love of her family, her home was always open to host family dinners and holiday gatherings, even as her family continued to grow and outgrow the size of her home.

Martha spent the last 8 years of her life with her many friends, caretakers, and her wonderful friend Margaret at Sandalwood Manor. Because she could no longer visit the “hills,” she resorted to bingo with her Sandalwood friends.

Martha was predeceased by her daughter, Patricia Lucero; and her husband Arthur Herrera. She is survived by her sister Dolores Hernandez; her son-in-law Andrew Lucero; and her children, Stephen Martinez, Janette (Duane, dec.) Gonzales, Timothy (Sandy) Martinez, and Richard (Margarita) Herrera. She is also survived by her 11 grandchildren, Gary (Laurie) Martinez, Audrey Lucero, Yvonne (Johnny) Rico, Julie Martinez, Kelly Lucero, Michael (Antoinette) Martinez, Jason (Beverly) Martinez, Andrew (Rachel) Lucero, Darren (Anna) Gonzales, Pennie Martinez, and Elizabeth Herrera. Martha is also survived by her 27 great grandchildren, and 7 great–great grandchildren.