In Loving Memory of Vemba Jean Martinez

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Her laugh was contagious, unmistakable, and could fill a room with joy.

Vemba Jean Martinez (née Gomez), age 82, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Vemba was a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and cherished member of her community.

Vemba was truly the life of the party. She had a generous heart, a loving spirit, and an infectious personality that made everyone around her smile. She had a special gift for making people feel welcomed, loved, and cared for. If you knew Vemba, you knew you were loved—and you probably owned one of the many handmade creations she made especially for you.

One of the things everyone will remember most about Vemba was her distinctive laugh. Her laugh was contagious, unmistakable, and could fill a room with joy. You couldn't help but smile and laugh along with her. She loved to have a good time, and she especially loved dancing the Cumbia. Whether she was at a family gathering, a celebration, or simply enjoying music with friends, Vemba loved to dance and share her joy with everyone around her.

Vemba was born to Virginia Archuleta and her stepfather, Luciano Archuleta. She graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1961, where she was an avid cheerleader. After high school, she attended business college and later served as secretary to Assistant Principal Klicker.

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Her handmade gifts may have been small, but the love she put into each one was enormous.

In 1976, Vemba moved to Denver, Colorado, where she resided until 1992. She was actively involved in Al-Anon and remained dedicated to helping and supporting others throughout her life.

Upon returning to Albuquerque, Vemba worked for Bernalillo County Public Works and later for the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department under Darren White. She was also a proud and active member of the Albuquerque High Alumni Association, where she served as secretary and treasurer. She devoted many years to organizing Albuquerque High class reunions, celebrating milestones from the 20-year through the 60-year reunions.

Vemba was a dedicated volunteer at St. Francis Church and Risen Savior Catholic Community. She also loved crocheting and used her talent to give back to others. She donated countless handmade items to people in need, including scarves for the homeless. And if you knew Vemba, chances are you had a crocheted cell phone holder made especially for you.

She was a cherished and active member of the Solo Club, where she enjoyed fellowship and friendship with others. Vemba loved making people happy and had an extraordinary ability to make people laugh and smile. Her joy for life was infectious.

Vemba had many passions. She loved crocheting, watching Dancing with the Stars, playing bingo, dancing the stroll, and, perhaps most of all, beating you at the Rummikub. Her competitive spirit, sense of humor, love of music, and playful personality brought so much joy to those around her.

Vemba is survived by her beloved son, Patrick V. Marsh, and grandson, Patrick A. Marsh. She is also survived by her siblings, John Gomez, Lenny Archuleta, Steve Archuleta, Cecilia Prince, and Maggie Salazar, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Patricia Lynn Marsh; her brothers, Freddie Gomez and Eddie Archuleta; her parents, Virginia and Luciano Archuleta; and her husband, Dan Martinez.

Vemba leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, laughter, generosity, friendship, and service. She gave freely of herself and never hesitated to help someone in need. Her handmade gifts may have been small, but the love she put into each one was enormous.

Those who knew Vemba will remember her beautiful, contagious laugh, her generosity, her sense of humor, and the way she could light up a room simply by being herself. She made people happy. She made people smile. And her love will live on in the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to have known her.

A Christian Mass of Burial will be held on Monday, August 17, 2026, at St. Francis Church, 820 Broadway Boulevard SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico. A rosary will be recited at 10:00 am with Mass to follow at 10:30 a.m.

A reception will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the Solo Club, 2500 Candelaria Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107.