- Date Of Birth: October 28, 1955
- Date Of Death: December 10, 2020
- State: Colorado
Rita J. Martinez, 65, a prominent Chicana activist and community leader crossed over and began her journey to a life everlasting, December 10, 2020. Rita was born October 28, 1955 in Pueblo to Manuel Martinez and Lucy Cortes. She is reunited with her parents, brother Ted Martinez, sister-in-law Arlene Martinez and nephews Kenny, Derek, Baby Christian, her childrens’ father Jose Esteban Ortega, and special aunt Isabel Cortez. She is survived by her loving children Tomas (Latoya), Vicente, and Neva (Andre) Martinez Ortega; by her siblings Ken, Dan (Tina), Rick, and sister-in-law Martha Martinez; grandchildren Marcos Ortega Keshmiri, Francisco Ortega Galindo, Isa Beebe, Aaliyah Maestas; cherished nieces and nephews, adored godchildren, cousins, aunts, uncles, a multitude of friends and numerous community organizations.
Rita was a loving mother to her three children, grandchildren, and was known to be a “second mother” to many others she mentored in the community. She was a fun-loving person who was known to be just as silly as she was serious. Rita shared her deep devotion to her spirituality, faith, and culture with her family and community. She held many positions on non-profit boards and oversaw many organizations including her positions as school nurse and Center Manager at Boys & Girls Club/ Girls Inc.. With more than five decades of fighting for social justice and cultural pride, Rita will be remembered as a strong and loving spirit and as a cornerstone in advancing the Chican@ Movement in Colorado.
