With hearts that are still heavy, we share in the profound loss of our dear friend and colleague, Melissa Martinez, who was called home to the Lord, April 26, 2026. Her passing has left an emptiness within the Catholic Foundation and the Diocese of El Paso that words cannot begin to express.

Melissa was more than a valued member of our team…she was family. In her role as the former Progress Annual Ministry Appeal Assistant, she served with unwavering dedication, humility, and a joyful spirit that touched everyone she encountered. She gave so much of herself to the mission of the Church, working tirelessly behind the scenes to support ministries that bring hope, healing, and faith to countless lives across our diocese.

But beyond her work, it was Melissa’s heart that truly set her apart. She loved deeply—her family, her friends, and her faith were at the center of everything she did. Her laughter could brighten even the most difficult days, and her presence brought comfort, strength, and unity to those around her. She had a way of making everyone feel seen, valued, and loved.

As we mourn her loss, we also give thanks to God for the gift of her life. Melissa’s memory lives on in the countless lives she touched, in the 15 ministries she helped sustain, and in the love she so freely gave. While we feel the weight of her absence, we hold tightly to the promise of our faith—that this is not goodbye, but “until we meet again.”

May we honor her memory by continuing the work she cared so deeply about, and by loving one another with the same heartfelt generosity and grace she showed us every day. May she rest in the eternal peace of Christ, and may all who have died rest in His loving embrace.