Darleen Martinez, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, age 67, of Tecolote, NM passed away peacefully on October 8, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 23 in Empedrado, New Mexico. She was a lifelong devout Catholic and member of Immaculate Conception Church. Her faith never faltered during her difficult journey and she leaves a great example for her family. She was a very kind, loving woman who always had a smile on her face. Darleen graduated from Pueblo County High School in Pueblo, Colorado and attended the University of Colorado, Boulder. She served as the Children's Librarian and Assistant Library Director at Carnegie Public Library for 18 ½ years and retired from the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute as a librarian. She was also employed part-time for 15 years at Alta Vista Regional Hospital. She was the captain of the APA Night Owls pool team and won the gold medal in 8 ball at the Senior Olympics summer games in 2016. She was an avid Denver Broncos fan and also enjoyed crafting and crocheting in her spare time. One of her proudest accomplishments was recording and releasing, "Las Bellas Botellas" album in 1996 with her father and brother, Trio Baca. Darleen also loved to sing songs from one of her favorite artists, Yolanda Del Rio. She was immensely proud of her family, and leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories.

Darleen is preceded in death by her parents Eligio Baca Sr. and Elena Pacheco Baca; brothers Joe Baca and Roger Baca. She is survived by her husband, Pete Martinez of Tecolote. Her four children: Mathew Martinez and husband Carlos Aragon of Las Cruces; Melissa Martinez and fiancé Aaron Archuleta of Las Vegas; Marla Martinez and partner Joseph Gonzales of Las Vegas; and Marcos Martinez of Tecolote. Her seven grandchildren: Martin Martinez (Janessa); Antonio Bustamante (Bailey); Mikaela "Mickey" Montoya; Daniel Bustamante; MarliJo Gonzales; Rhyanne Martinez; and Robert Garcia. One great-grandchild, Jenesis Martinez.

She is also survived by her brothers and sister: Eligio Baca Jr. (Virginia), Nepie Baca, twin brother Jesse Baca, Ellie Baca, sisters-in-law JoAn Baca-Aguilar and Flora Baca. Brothers and sisters-in-law: Gilbert & Lorraine Ortega; Phillip & Rhonda Gonzales; Paul & Loretta Griego; Rudy & Rose Griego; Robert Griego; Martin & Margaret Griego; Mark Griego; Carmen & Augustine Quintana; Domingo & Darlene Vasquez; Abel Vasquez Jr.; Alex & Annette Ortega; Jerry & Bernice Rudolph; and Mario & Mabel Vasquez.

She is also survived by her Godmother Rosie Martinez, Frances Martinez who helped care for our mother, numerous nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts, cousins, godchildren, and friends who all loved her dearly.

Serving as pallbearers are Martin Martinez, Antonio Bustamante, Daniel Bustamante, Mikaela Montoya, Martin Baca, Eligio Baca III, Robbie Alarcon, and Elijah Alarcon.

Services will be at Immaculate Conception Church in Las Vegas, NM. Rosary will be held on Tuesday, October 18 at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 19 at 9:00 a.m. with Father George Salazar as celebrant. Burial will follow at Nuestra Señora Del Rosario Cemetery in La Lagunita. Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary in Las Vegas, NM.

Please visit our online website www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign the online register book.