Pauline Z. Martin

Pauline Zamora Martin was born July 7, 1939 in Cabezon, New Mexico to Juan and Senona Zamora. She was the fifth of 11 children. Her siblings recall her being a loving sister and always helpful around the house. She helped care for the younger children and learned to cook authentic Spanish cuisine from her mother. She attended Catholic schools most of her school years until she graduated from Albuquerque high school in 1958.

Shortly after high school graduation, she married and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada where she raised two children (Jeanette and Julian) and, after they had grown and moved out of the house, she was surprised to learn she was expecting child number three. She raised her daughter Jennifer as a single mother.

While she was raising her youngest, she attended community college, studying childhood education and later went on to become a preschool teacher and director of several schools.

Once her youngest had graduated from high school in 1996, she moved to Boise, Idaho to be closer to her other children. She spent her remaining years in Boise, surrounded by family and helping raise grandchildren, enjoying family pets, and attending her grandchildren's sporting events. She was also a regular volunteer at their schools. She became known as Nan to all who knew her.

She had a lifelong love of crafting, which included sewing and crocheting which she passed on to some of her granddaughters. They would attend crafting bazaars together and sell their wares. She also loved family game nights and taught all the family her tricks of poker. She also loved exciting games of hungry Hippo! She attended Catholic services regularly with dear friends and loved her quality time with them after services together.

Pauline was a treasured mother, devoted grandmother, caring sister, and "Nana" to every person she encountered. Her passion was to remain involved in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and pets loving them to her last days. Her eagerness to volunteer at church and in the community and her giving spirit meant she led a full and active life.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers from St. Luke's Hospice for becoming an extended part of our family during her last 10 months. Her care team was exceptional. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to these individuals for their love and amazing care during her final days.

She is preceded in death by her mother, father, sisters (Edith and Gloria), brothers (Alfredito, Thomasito, Paul, and Steve). She is survived by her siblings (Mary Helen, Richard, and Versave), daughter Jeanette (Steve), Julian (Bonnie), daughter Jennifer (Joseph), 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.