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SANCHEZ -- JOSEPHINE (FEFA)BARELA Fefa passed away peacefully Wednesday Oct. 5, 2011 at the age of 89, ending her 15+ year battle with COPD. Fefa was born Nov. 2, 1921 and lived in San Marcial, N.M. until the flood of 1929 forced them to move temporarily to El Paso and then later to South 3rd Street in Albuquerque. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesus and Regina Barela; sister, Manuela Nellie Zielstra; brothers, Melquiades and Bernardo Barela; and her hermana, Andrea Romero. She was married to Feliciano Chano Sanchez who preceded her in death in 1981. Fefa is survived by son, Dick Sanchez(Karen) and his two sons, Mark (son Ryan) and Aaron (daughter Sara). Fefa is also survived by her daughter, Bunny O'Brien and children, Kevin (Effie), Sydney (Sam) Nieto, and David (Laura). Fefa's seven great-grandchildren are Ryan Sanchez, Ashley Teupell (Hector Alfaro), Sara Sanchez, Greg and Matt O'Brien, Alyssa O'Brien, and Jeremy Nieto. Fefa had four great-great-grandchildren, Alice Nichole and Thomas Atreyu from San Angelo, TX, and Trista and Elijah Alfaro of Albuquerque. Fefa had a lively personality and enjoyed the casinos, sports, and partying with friends and family and was looking forward to her 'surprise' 90th birthday party in a few weeks. Her strength, determination and sometimes tough attitude was a powerful example to her family, especially to all the women in her life. No matter how much she couldn't breathe when asked how she felt, she always answered that she was feeling good (even though she couldn't make it across the room). For the past several years she was not able to be as active as she was early in life, but was kept busy with the other strong personality in her life--her favorite sparring partner Jeremy. These two brought so much joy to each other and all those around them and we were blessed to have her for all these extra years she was given. The family is comforted that she is no longer struggling and wishes to thank all the friends and family for all the Love and support. There will be a Funeral Mass at St. Therese Church, 300 Mildred Ave NW, at 11:00 a.m., Monday, Oct. 10, 2011. Her cremains will be laid to rest next to Chano at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 1900 Edith Blvd NE, immediately following the Mass.
        Published on: Sun October 09, 2011