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Bernadette Nelson Obituary
Bernadette Ann Chacon Nelson, 62, of Albuquerque, NM, was called to her eternal resting place on Thursday, June 11, 2020. Bernadette was born to State Senator Matias L. Chacon and Teresa M. Chacon on November 01, 1957 in Espanola, NM. After graduating in 1975, she studied psychology at UNM. She was a member of the Soroptimists. As a registered Cosmetologist, Berna served her community for 43 years. She gave a new meaning to the word "neighborly." Berna's generosity was
unparalled.
She is survived by her husband, Gary Nelson; brother Ronald Chacon and his wife Francisca Itodo Chacon; brother Michael Chacon; four nieces, one nephew, three great nieces; four great nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by her brothers Matthew and Donald.
A Rosary will be held at Our Lady of Fatima, 4020 Lomas Blvd. NE, at 6pm on Thursday, 7/9. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bernadette Nelson
Monica Martinez
July 11, 2025
5 years now - time goes by so fast and yet it seems like ages have passed by since we last saw you. You didn't know how ill Joy was, so you probably wondered why I didn't call more often. I regret that always because you would have been there for us. You were a friend to so many.
Monica Martinez
June 15, 2024
It´s been 4 years since your passing. The world has changed so much for me and for Joy. We are still in pandemic mode due to Joy´s health issues. We speak of you often. We remember how funny you were and how hard you worked every day. You were a force of nature.
Monica Martinez
June 16, 2022
It´s still hard to believe that Berna is gone. She had such a great energy. The world has gone through some terrible events so at least Berna is at peace. She would have a lot to say about the lunacy of the last 2 years. I regret that life got in the way and I didn´t call her more often.
Mary McKee-Horina
June 15, 2022
I think of Berna often, I do miss her so very much. I miss her laughter, and miss seeing her smile. Gary, I hope you are doing okay. There is such a barren feeling in my heart. Berna you are missed so very much sending you hugs, love you always.
Mary
June 15, 2021
I will continue to miss you. Our wonderful memories of Española of the past. How we loved living there in our youth. It made us who we were and are. Glad our lives met through a perm. Ha, ha.
Martha Cook And Cliff Wintrode
July 9, 2020
We really miss Bernadette , she cut our hair and was a friend for many years .
She was a very kind and generous person. Gary , we know you miss her so much and we send our deepest sympathy.
We have 30 years of wonderful memories ! Martha and Cliff
Kathryn H Brooks
July 1, 2020
I have known Bernadette since the late 70's when she became my hairdresser and friend. We kept in touch when I moved to Utah and always made time for me when I was in town over those years. She was a wonderful, giving, beyond generous women with whom I loved to visit and catch up on politics which we both loved. I retired to Santa Fe and had to stop my regular trips to see her several years ago, I missed her. My deepest sympathy to you Gary, I have many happy memories of the years you got got together and married. Kathy Brooks
Theresa Martinez
June 28, 2020
I knew Bernadette back in the 1980s. She was my hair stylist, but we became good friends. When I graduated with a Ph.D. at UNM, she hosted my graduation party. I'll never forget her generosity and kindness over many years. Sending prayers and deepest sympathies to the family.
Mary McKee-Horina
June 28, 2020
Bernadette was a friend along with being my hairdresser. We found out we were from Northern New Mexico, and knew so much about our history in Española, Embudo and Hernandez. We enjoyed talking about the past and going to school in Española.
I will miss Bernadette so very much. She was a good person, she and Gary enjoyed cooking and feeding people. What a hole will be left.
Gary, Bernadette's memory and her laughter and life will live on in our Hearts.
I will hold her memory close to my Heart always.
Monica Martinez
June 28, 2020
Berna was such a kind and genuinely generous person. Im so shocked to hear of her passing. She was a blessing to me and my family. Nobody had her energy and caring spirit.
Jodi Lynam
June 27, 2020
I'm SO sad to hear about Bernadette's passing. I met her through a mutual friend. She came to our home to cut and style my elderly mama's hair while she was on hospice. Bernadette made such an impression on me. She was a ray of sunshine when she walked through my front door! She emanated God. I could sense that she was a kindred spirit the moment I met her. We hit it off immediately. She was a rare human being. So loving, so giving and so full of life. She was always thinking of others (got me tamales and some great lotion for my mom). I truly loved her. She was an angel on earth. God must need her more. Bernadette, thank you for your kindness, your love, and generosity. We will miss you. You must have impacted so many during your short journey on this earth. I shall see you again! Much grace....Jodi Lynam
Elke Zinnert
June 26, 2020
I got a call today to let me know that Bernadette had passed. I am shocked and devastated. We have lost a shining light, a beautiful generous loving person, always positive. Sending love and blessings and strength to all her family and friends and customers who were alsoFriends. Special love for Gary. I remember when you met at the little shop on Girard. Blessings and prayers to everyone.
Chanelle Chacon
June 25, 2020
My world has been rocked and forever changed forever my ❤ goes out to all my family especially my uncle Gary I hope my aunty knows how much I loved/ love her she was the life of any event my ❤ hurts so bad may my aunty rip I hope she knows how much I loved her ❤
Ted and Kathy Parnall
June 24, 2020
Berna was our neighbor for more than 40 years, and a more caring, kinder and more helpful person one could not find. She was an honorary aunt to our children and grandchildren, and never failed to have a kind word or offer a generous action on a daily basis. She was the heart of our neighborhood, with consideration for everyone, yet never intrusive.
We sense an enourmous loss, but it is impossible to think about Berna without feeling at least a bit of the great joy she brought us.
Ted and Kathy Parnall
Diana
June 23, 2020
A bright and caring soul that would light up a room Always welcoming with a hug and no one left hungry. Berna was generous with her time and gave a smile or helping hand to everyone she met. I will miss you my friend ❤ I know she is watching over us from heaven. We will one day be together again.
Laura Lee Fallbach
June 22, 2020
We were so close when we were kids. Our fathers were not only brothers, but best friends. My best childhood memories were with this family, and at their home in New Mexico. Ronald and Michael, I am sorry that you lost Berna. I am sorry for all of us. Gary, words cannot express my sorrow for you. Photo includes Berna, MIchael, Donald, Laura Lee, Sandra,Kathi, Chucky, David, and Steve (all of us Chacon's). Not sure of the young girl in the middle. Christmas in New Mexico!
Laura Lee Chacon-Fallbach
June 22, 2020
Monica Ortiz-Chacon
June 22, 2020
My deepest and most heartfelt condolences, Gary, Ron David , Michael and the rest of the Chacon and Nelson family. The loss of Berna is felt among many. May our Lord comfort you during this difficult time
Dan
June 21, 2020
She was a very loving person, That would go out of her way to feed you,Comfort you,Say hey : you need a haircut., lets go to Mexico to fix your teeth ! I remember everything she did for my friendship Loved Her!Gary
NelsonSo sad to see her go so soon
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