Cleofas "Cleo" (Garcia) Barbara

Cleofas (Cleo) Barbara, 98, was called home to our Heavenly Father, on Tuesday, December 6, 2022. On Monday, March 10, 1924, Cleo was born in Pasamonte (currently a ghost town) that was located in northeastern New Mexico near her hometown of Clayton where she was raised. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, John P. Barbara; her parents, Fructuoso and Modesta Garcia; and all her eight siblings: Vidal Garcia, Louis Garcia, Emilio Garcia, Frank Garcia, Josephine Garcia, Salome Garcia, Rafelita Tixier, and Fructuoso Garcia Jr.

Cleo was a devoted Catholic who fervently practiced her faith all of her life. Her interior home was surrounded with religious pictures that she adored or venerated such as the Sacred Heart of Jesus, our Lady of Guadalupe and the Holy Baby Jesus in a real crib. She treasured the opportunity to frequently receive the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and daily prayed to the Blessed Virgin Mary on a special rosary that was given by her devoted husband.

Cleo and John were not blessed to have children but there was no shortage of nieces and nephews for them to love and share stories. She liked nothing better than to have visitors she could entertain; they never left hungry or thirsty! When Cleo met John, she worked at Pioneer Auto, which was across the street from where John worked at his family bakery in Clayton, NM. They married on Sunday, June 4, 1950, and spent 44 years together living in Albuquerque, NM. She held bookkeeping jobs for the majority of her life.

She established a very close bond with her neighbors at the Vineyard especially Mary Jane Aleman and Melinda Reeves who became her “next-door sisters” who visited and cared for her dearly. Her family, neighbors and friends will fondly remember her for a quick wit, caring heart and loving nature. She was such a delight to all who knew her and was always willing to lend an ear. All family members and friends deeply loved her and she will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank Hannah and the staff of Gentiva Hospice. We are also very grateful to Michael and Martin Mascarenas with Two Hearts Equal One for opening their home and providing the highest quality care and love. They ensured the last months of her life were full of joy.

On Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at French- Lomas, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM.; the private and public Viewings will be held at 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m respectively. A Rosary Recitation will follow at 6:00 p.m.

On Wednesday, January 4, 2023, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m at Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 2621 Vermont NE., Albuquerque, NM., followed by Internment at 11:30 a.m. in the Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, 7999 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM.

Following the Internment, a 12:30 p.m. luncheon will be provided at the Vineyard 55+ Community — Mobile Home Parks located at 6118 Edith Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM.