June 25, 1942 — June 14, 2015
Mary Gomez was born in Pagosa Springs on June 25,1942, to Joe I. and Natividad (“Teve”) Martinez and died peacefully in Delray Beach, Fla., surrounded by loved ones, on June 14.
She was the eldest of five sisters. Mary was a devout Catholic who practiced Jesus’ teachings on a daily basis. Every individual that was blessed to have known her will attest to her inner and outer beauty. She gracefully walked through life with an endless abundance of love in her heart. Faith in God, kindness and compassion were her essence. She exuded radiance and light. Her final words were,“Thank you, Jesus, for every day.” There is no doubt she is smiling down on us from heaven. She holds a very special place in each of our hearts and will be missed tremendously.
She graduated from Pagosa Springs High School in 1960 and was voted homecoming queen. She married Mauricio Gomez on Aug. 18, 1962, in Pagosa Springs. Her devotion to children and thirst for knowledge led her back to higher education for her teaching degree in 1995. She taught first grade for 12 years. They resided in Dulce, N.M., until 2007 and moved to Delray Beach, Fla., to be closer to their two eldest children. Mary was an extraordinary wife, mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, aunt and friend. She taught us by example the importance of minding our words to others and that family and friends will carry you through the best and worst of times.
She is survived by the love of her life, Mauricio Gomez; their three children, Maurice (“Reese”), Lynette and John; her mother, Teve; sisters Polly Holoubek, Ruth Pedersen, Bernice Martinez and Roseann Gomez; Reese’s wife, Gloria Gomez; Lynette’s husband, Kevin McPherrin; and three grandchildren, Xander Gomez, Sean McPherrin and Max Gomez.
A memorial service will be held on Aug. 15 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Pagosa Springs at 11 a.m. Please RSVP to Karen Cox at 946-4810.
Mary was interred at the South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, Fla. Donations may be made to the Four Seasons Chapter PAP Corps Cancer Research (please make check out to PAP Corps), c/o Four Seasons, 14650 Jetty Lane, Delray Beach, FL 33446.
