Julia P. Atencio

Julia P.(Martinez)Atencio, 83, of Farmington, departed for her heavenly home Thursday, May 6, 2010. She was born Dec. 20, 1926,, in Ignacio, CO. Julia enjoyed talking about her youthful experiences of fishing with her dad, cooking with her mom and attending a one-room country school house near Ignacio. Other interests included cooking for, and sharing Sunday lunches with, her family and friends, attending meetings with the Women's Auxiliary of Disabled American Veterans and going to church activities. Julia also enjoyed gardening, walking, reading and talking with her neighbors and friends. She was married for 49 years to Arquin G. Atencio, her World War II hero. Preceding Julia in death were her husband, Arquin, a prisoner of war of the Japanese and survivor of the Bataan Death March; parents, Flavio J. and Mary P. Martinez; brothers Max and Philemon Martinez; and sister, Bernadette Martinez. She is survived by eight children and their spouses, George (Carolyn), Gloria (Robert Bishop), Rebbecca (Wayne Hunter), Vickie (Tom Franklin), Steve (Brenda), Lawrence, Dean (Charlotte) and Eddie. Also surviving are 16 grand children; 15 great-grandchildren; many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends; in-laws, Milton Atencio, and Josephine Jacquez; and her school mate Veronica Cordova. Pallbearers are her sons, George, Steve, Lawrence, Dean and Eddie, and son-in-law, Tom Franklin. Honorary pallbearers are sons-in-law, Robert Bishop and Wayne Hunter. The family would like to thank the staff of Northwest New Mexico Hospice, Life Care Center and Crane's Roost for their care and assistance. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Northwest New Mexico Hospice. Julia Atencio's care is entrusted to: Cope Memorial Chapel 405 S. Main Aztec, NM (505) 334-9332