Mary “Martha” Salazar passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 3.  She was born on May 15, 1936 in Chama, Colorado to Mary Sanchez Atencio and Eugene Atencio.  She was one of 13 siblings.  

Martha’s family eventually relocated to Laramie where she attended school.  There she met and married Fabian Salazar.   Together they had two sons, Gilbert and Ricky.  Martha lovingly raised her youngest sister, Linda (Madrid), as her own daughter following the early passing of their mother. 

In 1967, the family moved to California where they lived until her children completed school and left home.  Later, Martha and Fabian returned to the San Luis Valley to open and operate a Mexican restaurant until their retirement.  After the passing of her husband, Fabian and their son, Ricky, Martha returned to Laramie to be closer to her siblings.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Fabian Salazar; her son Ricky Salazar; her sisters Saisita Espinoza and Connie Morrison; and her brothers Eddie and Larry. 

She is survived by her son, Gilbert Salazar (Emma); her sister/daughter, Linda Madrid (Art); her grandchildren Gilbert Jr., Elena, Alex, Yvonne, Dennise, Christina; brothers Armando (Marcia) and Billy (Judy); sisters Pauline Fresques, Katie Lucero, Anna Trujillo (Ray), Lucille Montoya, Mary Schrank (George), and many other beloved family members and friends. 

A Rosary will be held at St. Paul’s Newman Center, Friday, June 13, at 6 p.m. A Funeral Mass will also be held at St. Paul’s Newman Center, Saturday, June 14, at 10:30 am, followed by a reception. Burial is to take place at a later date.