Michele Bernard Barragan

Lieutenant Colonel Michele Bernard Barragan, U.S. Army Reserve (Ret.), 75, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, surrounded by love.

Born in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, to Raymond and Josephine Bernard, formerly of Newport, Rhode Island, Michele carried with her a deep sense of faith, service, and devotion to family throughout her life. She graduated from Newport Hospital School of Nursing, where she earned the Excellence in Bedside Nursing Award-an early reflection of the compassion and clinical excellence that would define her career.

Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps, Michele served her country with honor and distinction for decades. Her assignments included Fort Polk, Louisiana, Brooke Army Medical Center, posts in Colorado and Oklahoma, and service in Germany. She deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm in 1990 and concluded her military career at Wilford Hall, retiring in 2013 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Throughout her service, Michele was respected not only for her clinical expertise but for her steady judgment, humility, and unwavering advocacy for patients. She served as both Staff and Head Nurse in General Medicine, Pediatrics, and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Senior physicians and colleagues sought her counsel, valuing her thoughtful leadership and creative problem-solving. Families of critically ill and fragile infants will forever remember her competence, calm presence, and extraordinary compassion.

Michele was a devout Catholic and faithful member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish. Her commitment to stewardship was evident in her work with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Bereavement Ministry, Beautification Ministry, and the parish's "Trash and Treasures" fundraiser. She lived her faith quietly but powerfully-through generosity, kindness, and tireless service to others.

She found joy in traveling with family and friends, following weather patterns with curiosity and enthusiasm, and caring for animals in need. Though she shunned attention for herself, she possessed sharp wit, keen observation, and a gift for storytelling that brought laughter to every gathering.

Above all, Michele was a devoted and loving mother. She is survived by her children: Teresa Moore Gariepy (Ben), David Moore (Avery), and Stephanie Sandoval (Rick). Her legacy lives on in her cherished grandchildren-Maya and Max Gariepy; Riley and Reese Moore; and Carolina, Lucy, and Amelia Sandoval-who were the light of her life. They will forever carry her example of strength, sacrifice, and unconditional love.

She is also survived by her loving sisters, Mary Jean Houlahan of Florida and Jackie Bernard of New York, her dear nieces and nephews, James, Patrick, and Sharon Houlahan, and Luisa and Isabel Gonzalez, as well as cousins across the country and in France.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the clinicians who cared for Michele with dignity, respect, and compassion during her illness.

Her life was one of faith, service, humor, and steadfast love. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to guide and inspire all who knew her.

Visitation and Rosary will be held on Tuesday, February 17 at Holy Cross Cemetery Chapel, 17501 Nacogdoches Road, San Antonio, TX at 10am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial and Entombment with full military honors.

Memorials may be directed to St. Vincent de Paul Society at Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

Arrangements are in the care of Puente & Sons Funeral Chapels. For more information, please visit https://www.puenteandsons.com/obituaries/michele-barragan.