Berna Marie (Barela) Vigil

Berna Marie (Barela) Vigil, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, tragically passed away on May 27, 2026, at the age of 71.

Born on January 26, 1955, at Belen General Hospital in Belen, New Mexico, Berna was the cherished daughter of Jose and Odelia Barela. She graduated from Belen High School in 1973 and proudly remained a lifelong Belen Eagle.

Berna dedicated many years of service as a Quality Control Inspector for Johnson & Johnson before retiring in 2010. While she valued her work, her greatest joy in life was her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and an extraordinary grandmother affectionately known as "Grandma Honey." Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

In her free time, Berna enjoyed reading her Bible, taking walks with her dear niece Carol, and trying her luck at the casino. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she loved discussing Scripture and the Bible with her son, Rey, and spoke to him daily during his drive home from work. She also looked forward to talking with her best friend, Mary Louise Maestas, whose friendship meant so much to her. Every morning, she began her day by lovingly feeding the family dog, William, a routine that reflected her nurturing spirit and devotion to those she loved. One of her greatest pleasures was simply cruising around with her beloved husband, Ray, making memories together wherever the road would take them.

On May 6, 1978, Berna married the love of her life, Raynaldo Vigil, at San Clemente Church in Los Lunas, New Mexico. Together they built a life centered on love and family.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 48 years, Raynaldo Vigil; her son, Rey (Jennifer) Vigil; her daughter, Melanie Vigil; her grandchildren, Ethan Vigil, Zaden Miles, and Amaria Vigil; and her step-grandson, Irijah (Charity) Chavez. She is also survived by her brothers, Ramon (Eva) Barela, Fidel (Anna) Barela, Jerry (Priscilla) Barela, and Lawrence (Edna) Barela; her sisters, Maria Thomas, Clory (Robert) Gabaldon, and Doreen Carrillo; her brothers-in-law, Louie Vigil and Dean Vigil; her sisters-in-law, Frances Vigil, Debbie (Johnny) Moya, Sandra (Robert) Aragon, and Tammy (Dean) Blanco; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jose Abran Barela and Odelia Barela; her sister, Veronica Blake; her brothers, Bernie Barela and Porfie Barela; her in-laws, Esmael and Marcie Vigil; her brother-in-law, Robert Vigil; her sister-in-law, Rosaleen Vigil; and other beloved family members who welcomed her into eternal peace.

Berna will be remembered for her kind heart, her unwavering love for her family, her deep faith, and the joy she brought to everyone who knew her. Her legacy lives on through the family she cherished so deeply and the countless lives she touched with her love and encouragement. Though she will be deeply missed, she will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.

Services for Berna will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 11:00 am at the Abundant Life Christian Center in Belen, NM. Berna will be placed to rest at the Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens Cemetery immediately following the services.

Berna's 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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