Maria Gomez Barela

Maria Gomez Barela passed away peacefully on July 21, 2007. Maria was born on March 23, 1923 to Manuel Gomez and Elena Ramos Gomez in Mesa, Arizona. Maria worked as a health care assistant before marring Julio T. Barela on July 5, 1952. Maria and her husband farmed in the Mesilla Valley for 55 years. Maria was known for making asaderos, and making baby quilts for each new generation. She loved sewing and crocheting. Maria was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt giving all of us her unconditional love. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Mrs. Barela is survived by her husband of 55 years, Julio T. Barela; a daughter, Anita Dawson and husband Larry; granddaughters, Mary Alvillar and husband Efren; Amanda Dawson; Melanie Dawson; and two great granddaughters, Marisa Alvillar and Caitlyn Salopek. She is also survived by three sisters, Josie Lujan; Michaela Chavez and her husband Rigobeto; and Pat Torres and her husband Mark; three brothers, Mike Calzada and wife Cucina; Camilo Calzada and wife Candy; and Edward Calzada and wife Isabel; and her sister in law, Mrs. David Barela Sr. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive Maria. Maria was preceded in death by her sister and brother in law, Francisca And Pedro Calzada, (also her adopted parents), her brother Manuel Quirarte, nephew Paul Calzada and brother in law Roque Lujan. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM on Monday, July 23, 2007 at Getz Funeral Home Chapel where the Prayer Vigil will follow at 7 PM. The Funeral Liturgy will be at 2 PM on Tuesday, July 24, 2007 at Our Lady of Purification Catholic Church, 5525 Cristo Rey, Dona Ana, NM. The Rite of Committal and burial will follow at Masonic Cemetery. Officiating will be Rev. Miguel Macaya. Serving, as pallbearers will be David Barela Jr, Mike Calzada Jr, Jon Trujillo, Sal Telles, Michael Chavez, and Henry Lujan. The family of Maria would like to give a special thanks to the RN's who attended Maria in the ICU unit, to Paola Madrid at Mount View Regional Medical Center, and the staff at La Posada. Also to Chris Telles for all her support and love during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Mesilla Valley Hospice