Barbara Sedillo

Barbara Sedillo was granted her angel wings when she passed away on August 17, 2011 in Albuquerque into the tender arms of our Lord. Her final days were spent surrounded by her family and friends whom Barbara had touched in some small way throughout her very memorable life. Barbara was born in Albuquerque on January 5, 1924 in Martinez Town to Lola and Ezekiel Candelaria. Barbara's life brought so much joy to her family. She gave us all such courage and hope and reminded us of the preciousness of life. Barbara moved to Grants in 1957 and lived there until 1997. During the 40 years that she lived in Grants, she was a devout parishioner at St. Theresa of Avila where she was a member of the Cursillo, Ultreya, and the Ladies Society. Her devout faith and love for our Lord was also evident through her appreciation for all that He created in nature. She loved working in the yard, exploring river banks for driftwood, rock hunting, camping, and fishing. She had an eye for finding beautiful art in nature. Her hobby was to find driftwood, sand and polish it, and give it a name to fit its description -- family favorites were "The Beehive" and "The Medusa." Barbara loved caring for our family. She was the most amazing cook. Our family savored the tortillas that she made to go with some of our favorite dishes -- chile con tomate, torta de huevo, quelites, breakfast gravy and so many others. A favorite song that she often hummed while scurrying about in the kitchen was, "The Blue Danube - Waltz" by Johann Strauss. Barbara's heart of compassion was not only for her own children, but also for all of God's children. She opened her heart and home to the hungry, the homeless, and many individuals in need. She and our father Gillie did the work of Jesus by often opening their home to complete strangers -- they were given a meal, a shower, and a bed to sleep. Barbara's passing will leave a deep void in the hearts of all of her survivors; her sister, Flora Martinez of Albuquerque; her daughter and primary caregiver, Edwina Martinez and husband Fernie of Albuquerque; daughters Lucy Stalee and husband David of North Richland Hills, Texas, Becky Larkin and husband David of Grand Junction, Colorado. Barbara's surviving sons are Barney Sedillo of Albuquerque, and Daniel Sedillo and wife Rose of Bloomfield. Barbara was blessed with sixteen grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren that provided her with immense affection, kindness, and care throughout her life. She will also be missed by the numerous nieces and nephews that genuinely loved her. Barbara was preceded in death by her mother and father, Lola and Ezekiel; brothers, Delfino, Pablo, Raymond, and Leonard Candelaria; her husband Gillie Sedillo; sons, Gilbert and Zeke Sedillo; and grandson, Anthony Sedillo. The family would like to express a special thanks for the kind and tender care given to Barbara during her stay at St. Theresa Health Care in Albuquerque with additional thanks to Amber Care Hospice during her final days. A Rosary will be held Friday, August 19, 2011at 7:00 pm at French Mortuary - Lomas Chapel. Friends may begin visiting a half hour prior. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2011 at St. Theresa of Avila Church in Grants at 10:00 a.m., burial to follow at Grants Memorial Park. A reception to follow at 2:00 p.m. at Holy Family Parish Hall, 562 Atrisco Drive, S.W., Albuquerque, New Mexico. Pallbearers will be Steve Gallegos, David Stalee, Fernie Martinez, Jr., Carlos Sedillo, David A. Larkin, Eric Stalee.