Macedonia Barela Lopez

Macedonia Barela Lopez, 84 of Fort Sumner, NM died peacefully at her home on Monday, December 28, 2009. Her family was at her bedside. Macedonia was born November 24, 1925 in Fort Sumner the daughter of Espirideon and Carolina (Hull) Barela. She was raised and attended school in Fort Sumner. She married Augustin P. Lopez on March 22, 1949 in Fort Sumner. Macedonia worked for several years as a cook at the Flying Twins Restaurant along with other restaurants in Fort Sumner. She worked 15 years as a cook and later as a custodian at Fort Sumner Public Schools. She retired in 1983. Macedonia was an active member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner; she was a past member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary; and she volunteered at the Fort Sumner Church of Christ Food and Clothing Bank. She loved and supported her Fort Sumner Foxes and the Dallas Cowboys. She enjoyed playing Bingo and quilting. She made a special quilt at the birth of each grandchild. She also enjoyed gardening, working in her flower garden and watching her Novelas. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She was preceded in death by her husband Augustin P. Lopez on November 21, 1993; a daughter Mary Alice Garcia in 1982; two sons Carlos Lopez in 1960 and Juan Lopez in 2003; three brothers Felix Barela, Ricardo Barela, Frank Barela and a sister Mary Maes. Macedonia was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Survivors include five daughters Gloria Coronado and husband Abel of Albuquerque; Jean Broughton and husband Dale of Albuquerque; Juanita Madrid and husband Samuel of Albuquerque; DeAnna Martinez and husband Jesus of Portales; Angela Lucero and husband Gilbert of Rio Rancho; three sons Sonny Apodaca and wife Irene of Clovis; Robert Lopez and wife Angela of Fort Sumner; Carlos Lopez and wife Brenda of Fort Sumner; a daughter-in-law Diana Lopez of Santa Rosa; a sister-in-law Erlinda Gonzales of Fort Sumner; four brothers Willie Barela of Fort Sumner; Elias Barela and wife Lucy of Clovis; Manuel Barela and wife Rosa of Clovis; Daniel Barela and wife Esperanza of Albuquerque; two sisters Ramona Sena of Fort Sumner and Frances Pena of Portales. Other survivors include 31 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren along with numerous nieces, nephews a host of other relatives and many friends. Rosary services will be held at 7:00 PM Wednesday, December 30, 2009 from St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner with Tom Madrid leading the prayers. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, December 31, 2009 from St. Anthony Parish with Father Sotero A. Sena officiating. Burial will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Wayne Sprague, Sammy Madrid, Dominic Lopez, Gustavo Lopez, Patrick Lucero, Derek Blea, Hector Zambrano and Paul Coronado. Honorary bearers will be all her grandchildren. Visitation will be Wednesday from 11am to 6pm at the funeral home and Thursday from 10am to 11am at the church. All arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street; Fort Sumner, NM. (505) 355-2311. To place an online tribute or sign the guest book please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com