Barbara Catherine (Tapia) Fernandez

Barbara C. Fernandez, age 84, a resident of Belen, NM, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Barbara was born on May 15, 1941 to Bernabel and Severita Tapia. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who was a woman of faith and prayed her rosary daily.

She always instilled her faith in her family. She completed a career serving the federal government while working for the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Federal Aviation Administration all while selflessly working full time raising her four children. Upon retirement, she enjoyed spending time outdoors camping and fishing. Her most recent hobbies were a huge love for music, singing to her favorite songs, going to the casino and watching football and baseball. Barbara was also a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church and Moose Lodge 1680.

Barbara is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Bernabel and Severita Tapia; brothers, Emilio Tapia Sr. and Joe Richard Tapia Sr; sisters, Cordelia Sanchez and Agnes (DeeDee) Gonzales; niece/goddaughter, Adele Sanchez; and nephew, Emilio Tapia (Tino) Jr.

She is survived by her four children, daughter, Yvonne Stewart and husband Michael, sons, Ross Sanchez and wife Marlene, Leonard Sanchez and wife Emily, and Steve Sanchez; brother, Joe Ernest tapia and wife Lucy; twelve grandchildren; twenty-seven great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces, nephews and numerous other relatives.

Services for Barbara will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. A visitation will take place at 9:00 am, with a rosary being recited at 9:30 am. Mass will be held at 10:00 am. Inurnment will take place immediately following the services at Terrace Grove Cemetery. Pallbearer will be Adrian Gomez. Honorary Pallbearers are all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, where an online guest register is available at www.noblin.com

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