Dolores J. Barela

Dolores J. Barela

April 14, 1937 – May 22, 2020

Dolores passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22, 2020 with her family by her side.  Dolores is preceded in death by her husband George Barela, father Fidel Lopez, mother Eva Montoya, son Lorenzo Barela, and brother Robert Montoya.  Dolores is survived by her sons Michael Barela and wife Diane, Steve Barela, Paul Barela and wife Johnette, her daughter JoAnn Storch and husband David, grandchildren Michael James Barela and wife Christina, Michelle Barela-Tercero and husband Toby, Victoria Barela and husband Paul, David Storch and wife Bonnie, Talia Storch, Sheree Barela-Kornelsen and husband Andrew, great grandchildren Francesca, Estevan, Pablo, and Evelyn Romero, Rhiannon and Jared Barela, Lily and Mitzi Storch, Nevaeh and Robert Sanchez, and two Kornelsen twins on the way, and two great great grandchildren Johnny and Karlee Chavez.  Dolores is also survived by her brothers Samuel Montoya, Emilio Montoya and wife Ruth, Orlando Montoya and wife Clorinda, Tomas Montoya, Manny Montoya, Richard Lopez and wife Anita, her sisters Louise Martinez and husband Isaac, and Rose Lopez, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Dolores was born and raised in Santa Fe.  She attended Guadalupe School and later graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1956.  She and George were married at Guadalupe Church on the morning of December 28, 1956.  They moved to Albuquerque for a short period before returning to Santa Fe to raise their family.  Shortly after their first son was born, they bought their first house.  That house became their family home, which she quickly came to love and lived in the rest of her life.  As their family grew, so did their home, and so did the countless family memories.

Dolores was a loving mother, a cherished grandmother, and a charming friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing her.  There was always a joke to be told, and a laugh to be had when she was around.  Dolores was beautiful and strong.  She was feisty and fearless and knew how to love unconditionally.  She was proud of the family she raised and of every accomplishment they had, no matter the size.  She loved her family above all else.  Dolores was brave, adventurous, independent, and lived fully in all that she did.  She is unforgettable, and will be missed forever.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions services will be held at a later date.