Frances "Pancha" M. Barela

Frances “Pancha” M. Barela, 94, passed away peacefully and went to be with Our Lord on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. She was born on March 9, 1931. She is survived by her daughters Angela Martinez (Joe), Pearl Bransford (Artie), and Linda Kane (Bob), and her son Herman Duran. She is also survived by her grandchildren David, Lynette, Nathaniel, Lynda, Richard, Kenny, Jamie, Rebecca, Natalie, Michelle, Carlos, Andres and Dominic, and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Frances is also survived by her sisters Mary Lou Gallegos (Ruben) and Gloria Payne (Jack) and many nieces and nephews.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents Adolfo Barela Sr. and Ramoncita Sanchez Barela; siblings Helen Sieters, Paul Barela, Joe Barela and Adolfo Barela Jr.; grandson Daniel “Danny” Bransford; nieces Debbie Sieters-Chavez, Gloria Jean Tafoya, Veronica Valdez and Sandy Payne; and nephew John “Jon Jon” Barela.

Frances was a devout Catholic and remained a parishioner at Our Lady of Guadalupe her entire life. She served on the parish council during the 1980’s. Father Tien-Tri Nguyen chose Frances to receive the St. Francis Award for her service in the church. Frances also dedicated her time every Sunday morning to spend an hour in adoration to our Lord.

Frances was an honorary member of the Union Protectiva Femenina for 52 years. Frances was also a member of the Secular Franciscan Order, St. Francis Fraternity #121, where she served as a minister in the 1990’s with many duties.

Frances began working at La Fonda in the late 1940’s as a Harvey Girl and continued working there through the 1970’s. Frances started working with Santa Fe County in 1976, but continued to work special events at La Fonda and private parties. Frances retired with the County in 1993 to care for her ailing mother Ramoncita; after her mother’s death Frances devoted her services to the Catholic Church. She also travelled to Mexico several times visiting various places with friends and family.

Frances was fond of listening and dancing to Mariachi and Ranchero music, often travelling to enjoy live concerts. She travelled to Italy with friends in a church group tour, where she explored the Vatican City and Rome.

We wish to thank her caregiver Debra W., who helped us through this difficult time and was such a loving person towards our mom, the staff at Beehive of Santa Fe Assisted Living and the staff of Del Corazon Hospice for their support during her final days. We would also like to thank Susan K., Debra D., Michelle M., Aunt Mary Lou, and our dear friend Peti who cared for our mom in 2024.

• On May 19, 2025, a Rosary will be recited from 10:00 to 10:30 am at Our Lady of Guadalupe
• A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am
• Internment at Rosario Cemetery will follow the Mass at 12:30 pm

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate sending donations to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church (417 Agua Fria, Santa Fe, NM 87501). A special thank you to Rivera’s Funerals, Cremations & Memorial Gardens.