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Ophelia Barraza Obituary
With her family at her side, Ophelia Araiza Barraza passed away on April 10, 2011 in Chandler, Arizona. Born in Tempe on January 22, 1936 to Leo and Adelina Araiza, Ophelia was a lifelong resident of Arizona. She was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Frank M. Barraza, who passed away in 1995. Ophelia was devout in her Christian faith, and a dedicated student of the Holy Scripture. In personality, Ophelia was characterized by an innate goodness and spiritual serenity. She was a true blessing to all who had the good fortune to know her, including members of Ophelia's extended family, those at the Crisis Pregnancy center where she volunteered for many years, friends at the Mesa Active Adult Center and the members of her Church. Ophelia was also a wonderful cook and loved spoiling her nine grandchildren with her signature Mexican food dishes. She is survived by her children, Linda Padilla (Sammy), Frank (Monica), Danny, Theresa Hawgood (Bill), and Cecilia Gilman (Michael). She is also survived by her sisters Connie Gaitan and Carmen Chacon, and her brothers Bobby, Ernie, Carlos, Billy and Rick, as well as her grandchildren, Elizabeth, Arnold and Sammy Padilla; Becky, Tim and Haley Barraza; Jane and Ivan Gilman; and Joshua Buckley. Visitation will be held Friday, April 15, 9:00 a.m. at the City of Grace Church, 655 E.University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85203 with the funeral service beginning at 10:00 a.m. We love you Mom and Nana and we will miss you dearly.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ophelia Barraza
Barbara Escobedo
April 19, 2011
My prayers go out to the Barraza family. Mrs. Barraza was a very special person who has touched many lives. May she rest in peace. God bless her and her family.
Sylvia Luna
April 13, 2011
I'd like to thank Ophelia for enriching my life with her example of true christianity. She only spoke kindness of people, she was a wonderful listener, and had the highest compassion for others.
Your spirit will live forever in the many hearts you have touched. God bless you and your beautiful family, Ophelia.
Anna marie Escandon
April 13, 2011
My prayers go out to you & your family with all my Love Anna marie
Teri Weissert Whaley
April 13, 2011
I had the pleasure of meeting Ophelia through my friendship with her daughter Theresa. She was always very kind, compassionate and thoughtful. She was a woman of great integrity and spirit who treated people with kindness and respect. A kind and gentle soul who will be missed by all who knew her.
My family and I wish the Barraza family peace and offer our sincerest condolences.
Andy, Theresa, Vanessa & Alexi Stoll
April 13, 2011
Our love and prayers go out to you all. We were blessed to be spoiled by Nana Ophies Mexican Food as well. She is a sweet beautiful Nana and will be missed. God Bless her and may she rest in peace.
April 13, 2011
I knew Mrs. Barraza at the old Bedford neighborhood. She was very compassionate to the needs of myself and siblings when were in much need of it. And I will never forget her driving us to religious instruction and I thank her for her part in my faith. Also who could forget her sharing pumpking pie every thanksgiving for the years that we were neighbors!
My condolences to her whole family, she was truly one of God's gems.
Maggie Carranza Galvan
James Ybarra
April 13, 2011
Tia Ophelia was a woman of faith who cherished her family and friends. She was a woman with an open mind, heart and soul. She will be remembered as a woman of integrity and beauty. May God grant her eternal rest.
James Ybarra
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