Angela Rochelle (Gurule) Lari

Rochelle Lari, 66, peacefully took the next step of her journey on August 9, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Rochelle was born on November 6, 1956, in Las Vegas, NM, to Frank T. and Angelina Gurule. Rochelle graduated from Del Norte High School (1974), and University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education (1982). In 1981, she married the love of her life, Mohammad Reza Lari, and together they embarked on a journey filled with love, joy and cherished memories. Their union was a testament to the power of love and commitment.

Rochelle is survived by her husband, Mohammad; son Daniel Lari (Dhara); grandsons Dylan and Ravi Lari; mother Angelina Gurule-Vergo and her husband James Vergo Sr; sister Cyndie Abeyta (Luis); sister Debbie Vergo-Runge (Shaun Runge); nephew Francisco Abeyta (Shaylee); nieces Angela Abeyta (Joseph Wright) and Maria Abeyta (Justin Baca); great nieces Audriana and Mia Wright, and great nephews Luis and Antonio Abeyta. She is also survived by brother- and sister-in-laws Fatima, Naheed, Sima, Behrooz, Mina, Jilah, Bobak and Behzad Lari of Iran; many cousins, extended family, and friends. Rochelle was preceded in death on her journey to be reunited with her father Frank T. Gurule, loving son Joseph Rasheed Lari, in-laws Assadulah Lari, Zahra Tahanzadh, and Hamid Lari.

After 35 years of service at Sandia National Laboratories, Rochelle retired as a Distinguished Member of the Laboratory Staff. While at Sandia she worked in Program Development/Management; New Employee Orientation and Retention Program; Diversity Leadership Program; Organizational Development; Human Resources (Specialist); Training; and Course Development.

Rochelle will be remembered for her love, understanding, kindness, generosity, amazing sense of humor, funny faces, positive mindset, and how she genuinely loved and respected family, friends, and acquaintances. Her selfless dedication to aiding others, genuine warmth, and compassion touched the lives of many and will be cherished forever. Rochelle was a rare, amazing person who brought out the best in people, reminding them of why life is good, no matter the circumstance.

Rochelle’s passions included exploring new destinations around the world, immersing herself in different cultures, teaching diversity and understanding of others, prioritizing time with family and friends, and building a global culinary experience through cooking. She also enjoyed working at and spending time with family and friends at the family ranch in Mora County, NM.

Visitation and Rosary will be on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at 5:00 pm at French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 25, 2023 at 10:00 am, at Risen Savior Catholic Church, 7701 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109, followed by a reception with family and friends. Internment will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 7999 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109.

Pallbearers will be Luis Abeyta, Francisco Abeyta, Dylan Lari, Joseph Wright, Audriana Wright, and Justin Baca. Honorary Pallbearers will be Theresa Torres, Debbie Garcia-Lujan, Mary Ellen Ipiotis, Eva Valdez-Quintana, and Mia Wright.

Those who wish to remember Rochelle in a special way may make gifts in her memory to the Missionary Sisters of the Catechism, Eldoret, Kenya. Please contact Cyndie Abeyta for more information.