Maria Petrita Barela passed away on May 5, 2026.

Maria was born in Abeytas, New Mexico to Ursula and Andres Abeyta, and grew up surrounded by five brothers and two sisters.

She attended San Felipe Catholic School in Albuquerque for six years and graduated from La Joya High School. Petrita's dream was to become a teacher, and she earned a scholarship to attend college at St. Joseph's on the Rio Grande. She received her major in Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude, with a minor in psychology and math and taught with Albuquerque Public Schools for 24 years.

She was an active member of Our Lady of The Assumption Catholic Church since 1955. She was involved in the Altar Rosary Society, St. Vincent de Paul, and the Spanish Choir. She also taught RCIA and baptismal classes, but the most important goal was to ensure that her children developed a love and knowledge of their Catholic Faith.

She married her husband of 66 years, Audilio Barela, in 1955. She is survived by her children: Anna (David), Robert, Christina (Edward), Karin (Brian); grandchildren: Michelle (Mike), Aundria (Brandon), Monique (Travis), Joshua; and great grandchildren: Jude, Lucy, Gianna, Marianna, and Lazuli.