Frances Vella Martinez

Frances Vella Martinez, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished member of the Prescott community, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026 with her daughters by her side.Born in New Orleans, Frances grew up immersed in the city’s rich musical traditions. From the age ofsixteen she performed with the New Orleans Opera, an experience that began a lifelong love of music and the performing arts that would remain central to her life.Frances attended Loyola University in New Orleans, where she earned a degree in Medical Technology.Later working in the laboratory at Louisiana State University School of Medicine she met the love of her life Evaristo “Bub” Martinez.In 1954 they married and started their family two years later. Daughters Jaime Lee and Vella were born in New Orleans. In 1961 the family moved to Prescott, Arizona, where Frances continued to nurture her love of the arts and became deeply involved in the cultural life of her adopted hometown. There they welcomed one more daughter, Marianna.A devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Frances generously gave her time to many Prescott organizations. She was a founding member of the Prescott Art Docents and was active with the Prescott Fine Arts Association where she delighted audiences in the theater’s beloved melodramas and musical productions. Her love of opera remained constant throughout her life, and she was one of the original members of the Prescott Friends of Arizona Opera. She also belonged to the Alta Vista Garden Club and the Yavapai Rose Society, reflecting her love of gardening and roses. As one of Prescott’s doctors’ wives,she devoted many hours to the Yavapai Regional Medical Center Auxiliary. Her interests included the Prescott Doll Club, where she shared her enjoyment of collecting and making dolls. She also expressed her artistic talents through fine china painting and needlework.Frances’s love of God was the foundation of her life; she devoted many years to the study of Scripture and to the fellowship it brought.Frances was known for her unmistakable sense of style. She carried herself with grace and a touch of sparkle, bringing elegance and a bit of theatrical flair to everyday life—qualities that reflected both he rNew Orleans roots and her love of all things beautiful. Her presence enriched the lives of all who knew her and leaves a lasting legacy in the hearts of her family.Frances is survived by her daughters, Jaime Gipe, Vella (Jeff) Austin, and Mara Loftus; her grandchildren Jerome (Moira) Gipe, Ian (Talidy) Gipe, Emily (Greg) Covotsos, Madison Austin, and Kate Loftus; and six great-grandchildren, Solia, Jasper, Stella, Tegan, Julius, and Olivia. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Evaristo Martinez; her parents, Frank andPaola Vella; her siblings Joseph Vella, Rosalie Pinke, Antoinette Savarese, and Rosemary Perrone; and her son-in-law Jon Gipe.The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Colett, Maria, Rosetta, Elaine, and Valeria for the wonderful and devoted care given our mom. Your kindness and compassion brought great comfort to her and to all of us,and you will never be forgotten.A Rosary will be recited at 11:30 a.m. on March 19, 2026, with a Funeral Mass to follow at 12:15 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Prescott. Interment at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery will be private.