Juanita Louise Martinez

Juanita Louise Martinez, 83, passed away on June 1, 2024. She was born in Pueblo on October 22, 1940, to Alfonso and Frances Martinez. She was a Bessemer resident as young girl and graduated from Central High School in 1958. During that same year, she married Gilbert L. Maes, and they spent 20 years together, living on the Eastside of Pueblo, raising four daughters- Theresa, Linda, Paula, and Johanna. Juanita spent much of her life in the restaurant business where she continued her family’s tradition of serving the Pueblo community the most authentic Mexican food. In the early 1980s, she owned and operated Martinez Cafe in Bessemer and at the Colorado State Fair, where she broke numerous records in food and beverage sales. Juanita was highly connected to her Indigenous roots, and, like many members of her family, was blessed with tremendous artistic skills. Her paintings, leather works, painted pots, dream catchers and various art pieces have been displayed throughout the state of Colorado. Juanita was also a fierce social justice advocate where she was involved in the Women’s Liberation Movement in Colorado in the 70s and 80s, and in various local and national mental health movements. She continued her advocacy and activism in numerous social justice causes throughout her lifetime. Juanita is preceded in death by her siblings Jessica Luna and Alfonso Martinez, Jr. She is survived by her four daughters- Theresa Maes, Linda Maes, Paula Maes-Johnson, and Johanna Maes; her sons-in-law Anthony Gettler and Walter Johnson; grandchildren Matthew Herrera, Ian Herrera, Nicholette Fabrizio, Michael Fabrizio, Alana Maes and Aja Maes; and two great-grandchildren-Jett and Bennett Herrera. Juanita is also survived by her siblings Richard Martinez, Dolores Biehl, John Martinez, Carolyn Martinez, and Laura Martinez, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends. The Maes sisters would like to sincerely thank the staff and health care providers at the following facilities for their unconditional care of our mother: The Pueblo West Gardens, UC Health Parkview Medical Center, The Center at Park West, Behavior Health at Pueblo Community Health Center, Atlas Post Acute, and Center Care Hospice. A special thanks to Dr. David Krause from Pueblo Community Health Center for his years of support to our mother.

Juanita Louise Martinez

October 22, 1940 - June 1, 2024