Lettie Martinez, older sister of former Gov. Susana Martinez, dies

LAS CRUCES - Leticia Martinez, the older sister of two-term New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez, has died.

Susana posted about Lettie's passing Saturday afternoon on Facebook.

"My heart is very heavy as my sister has joined my mother, father and brother in heaven," Susana wrote in the post. "Lettie made my life full, she kept me grounded and was my 'forever loving 5 year old' sister. I loved her everyday and now I will miss her everyday."

Lettie was developmentally disabled and Susana was her legal guardian. Lettie was well known and often appeared alongside her sister at public events.

New Mexico Senate Republicans issued a statement on Lettie's passing on Saturday, saying in part: "Lettie touched so many hearts with her warm smile and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her." 

According to Susana's Facebook post, Lettie participated in Special Olympics.

"She would be so pleased if donations to the New Mexico Special Olympics were made in her name in lieu of flowers," Susana wrote. "This gift will give other special people the opportunity to participate for years to come."

Jake Martinez, Susana's older brother, died in December 2018 after a two-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.

Susana Martinez, a Republican, was Doña Ana County's district attorney before being elected governor in 2010. She was again elected to the state's top spot in 2014. Lettie lived in Las Cruces while Susana presided in Santa Fe, according to Sun-News archives.