Help Support Martin Elsner’s Family After His Sudden Passing
Donation protected
Our hearts are shattered as we mourn the unexpected loss of Martin Elsner, a beloved father and partner, and the heart and soul of Annie’s Soup Kitchen in Albuquerque. On Friday, November 22, Martin passed away unexpectedly after suffering a massive heart attack while doing what he loved—working at Annie’s and serving his community.
Martin’s sudden passing has left his family reeling, not only emotionally, but also financially. His mother, Maria, suffers from dementia and is now without a legal guardian or representative to oversee her care. Without a life insurance policy, minimal savings, and so many uncertainties ahead, his wife Marie, and his daughter, Maya, are now facing overwhelming challenges including:
- Keeping Annie’s Soup Kitchen, a decades-old community staple, open and paying long-time employees who are like family.
- Nearly $7,000 in lawyer fees to assist Maya in filing for legal guardianship and power of attorney for her grandmother.
- Around $4,000 a month to pay for Martin’s mother’s continued health care and living expenses at a memory care facility in Arizona.
- Covering Martin’s end-of-life arrangements and outstanding expenses.
- The cost of travel to and from Massachusetts, Albuquerque, and Tucson. Maya, who is based in MA, will be living and working in Albuquerque for the foreseeable future to help run her family’s restaurant, in between trips to Tucson to arrange for her grandmother's care.
Martin’s presence was larger than life. His laugh, his endless stories, his generosity, and his unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and restaurant will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. A deeply protective and caring father and husband, Martin would never have willingly left his family in this position.
His legacy deserves to continue, and his family deserves the chance to grieve without the crushing burden of financial stress.
We are asking for your support to help Maya and Marie navigate these unthinkable circumstances. Every donation—no matter the size—will go directly toward easing their financial strain. Given the high goal of this campaign, the family has agreed to provide receipts for transparency purposes.
If Martin or Annie’s Soup Kitchen has ever brought a smile to your face, filled your belly with comfort, or touched your life in any way, please consider donating. And if you’re unable to give, please consider sharing this page with others.
Thank you for standing with Martin’s family during this time of unimaginable loss.
Organiser and beneficiary
Jamie Merideth
Organiser
Rio Rancho, NM
Maya Elsner
Beneficiary