Celia Tachias Martinez

Celia Tachias Martinez, 87, of Glendale, Arizona, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2018, at her daughter and son-in-law’s home in Glendale with her family by her side. Celia was born in Cabezon, New Mexico, to Aniceta and Alfredo Tachias. She married her handsome husband, Robert G. Martinez, in 1949 in Flagstaff. She was the proud mother to David Martinez (Elida), Viola Peak, Barbara Wands (Frank Soqui) and Ceci Foster (R.C.); proud grandmother to Alicia Davidson (Bo), Andrea Peak (Matt Davison), Melissa Garcia (Diego), Lisette Martinez (Rick Matthews), Weston Wands (Doris Zacarias), and Matthew Foster; proud great grandmother to Andrew Sanchez, Anthony Lobato, Amanda Davidson, Alyson Deguire, Alexis Garcia, Caden Davison, Alexander Davison, Soren Davison, Christian Wands, Sophia Garcia, Petra Davison, Daniela Zacarias, and Jessica Zacarias; and proud great great grandmother to Alex Sanchez. Celia is survived by her siblings, Ernesto Tachias of Flagstaff, Tony Tachias of California, Reverend Alfred Tachias of New Mexico and Tio Tachias of Tolleson. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Robert, her parents and siblings Mabel Luna, Luciana Delgadillo and Paz Aguilar.

Celia lived most of her life in Flagstaff. She retired from the State of Arizona. She and her husband relocated to Camp Verde, eventually moving to Glendale which became her beloved home. Celia enjoyed music, singing, cooking, sewing, and spending time with family and friends. She was fun spirited and enjoyed her grandchildren making her laugh. Celia got great pleasure out of life and took special pride in her family. She had a personality that one could count on, had fresh creative ideas, solutions to questions, a laugh to share, and loving kind words without judgement. One always felt better after a conversation with her. Celia loved to sing with her brothers, other family members and friends while her brothers played their guitars. Now her beautiful voice is singing in heaven. She was loved by many and was always there when one needed solutions or just to talk. She was always ready and willing to assist. Her compassion went far and she had empathy for all. She prayed for people she never met who were struck by tragedy. Although she is greatly missed, the family is blessed she and Robert are reunited. Celia is truly a light that burns bright under God’s will.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 5614 West Orangewood Avenue, Glendale, Arizona, 85301.