Magdalena Barela

Magdalena Barela, 91, passed away on October 14, 2019 at her La Junta home surrounded by her family. She was born on April 22, 1928 in La Junta, Colorado to Catarino & Aurelia (Guerrero) Mata. She married Catarino Barela, Sr. on September 10, 1953 in Raton, New Mexico; he preceded her in death on January 8, 1996.

Magdalena worked at the turkey plant in Cheraw, the fields and also the pickle plant. She was also well known for her wonderful cooking. She loved her dogs Lolo and Sara and her cat, Spencer. A few of the favorite foods people loved were her tamales, burritos, and her empanadas to name a few. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, especially making food for any occasion. She had a big heart and would never say no.

She is survived by her children, Mary (Bill) Otero, Cathy (Rudy) Otero, Catarino Barela, Jr., Frank (Michelle) Barela, Frances (Daniel) Lopez, Gloria (Cesar) Carrillo all of La Junta; Linda (Nick) Valverde of Yuma, AZ; 23 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and one great, great-grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews and cousins also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Cruz Barlea, sister, Ramona Garcia; brothers, Sabino and Concepcion Mata; great, great-granddaughter, Kylena Rose Marquez.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. both services at Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish with Father Henry Wertin officiating. Interment will follow at the Calvary Cemetery in La Junta.

Those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to the Arkansas Valley Hospice, PO Box 408, La Junta, CO 81050 direct or through the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.