Evangelina "Eva" Barela Miranda

                                               In Loving Memory of Evangelina "Eva" Barela Miranda,

Beloved, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on July 21, 2025

Born on April 9, 1951, to the late Emilio and Frances (Sanchez) Barela, Eva was the baby of a large, close-knit family. Raymond, Terry, Ann, Joe, Cindy, Herbert, and Betty completed this family unit that contributed to the livelihood of the Estancia Valley. At a very young age, Eva faced a major health issue that required open heart surgery and her siblings played a huge part in her care and recovery. Nobody was allowed to mess with her, and she was her daddy's pride and joy. The bond between she and her siblings was beyond measure and remained inseparable to this day. Through it all, her strong spirit, upbringing and determination carried her forward into a life full of joy,

A proud graduate of Estancia High School’s Class of 1970, Eva was crowned both Homecoming Queen and Pinto Bean Queen, a testament to her warmth, charm, and lifelong friendships. She went on to Brown’s School of Business where she pursued a career in the clerical field. Eva worked for Central New Mexico Electric until her retirement.

In 1972, Eva married Ruben Miranda and together they welcomed their daughter Rubena. Though they experienced the heartbreaking loss of their infant son, Alfredo Juan, in 1982, Eva met life’s challenges with grace, faith, and a generous heart that never wavered.

Eva had a rare gift; she could make anyone feel like family. Her kindness had no bounds, and she never missed an opportunity to lift someone up, offer help, or simply brighten a room with her presence. There was no stranger she wouldn’t befriend or a helping hand that she didn’t extend. She was a master planner and the heartbeat of every gathering adding her signature personal touch to each celebration. Whether it was shopping for the perfect gift or simply organizing a family event, Eva poured love into everything she did.

She had a deep affection for her Godchildren, whom she loved and supported like her own. Her love for her family’s musical talents brought joy to her soul and of course, she loved to dance. Her spirit was always moving, always joyful and feisty. Life's struggles never stole her light. Her laughter, warmth, and enduring positivity became her legacy. But nothing brought her more joy than her family - especially her grandsons, Evan, Emilio, and Rian, and most recently, great-grandson, her bebito Ruben. They were the center of her world and her greatest treasures.

Eva now joins in peace her parents, Emilio and Frances; her son, Alferdo Juan; her siblings Herbert, Emily, Betty, and Terry. Though her passing leaves a void we cannot fill, we take comfort in knowing she is reunited with loved ones, watching over us with the same strength, care, and love she showed every day of her life.

She is survived by her daughter Rubena Miranda; grandsons Evan (with Melissa), Emilio, and Rian (with Diana); her precious great-grandson, Ruben; her siblings Raymond (Sarah), Joe, Ann (and the late Doug), and Cindy; her brother-in-law Dwight; her many nieces, nephews, godchildren, and lifelong friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Eva’s presence lit every room she entered. Though her absence leaves an unfillable space, her love and legacy will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. As we lay Eva to rest, we carry forward her legacy-the legacy of a woman who loved deeply, gave freely, laughed fully, and lived faithfully. Let us honor her by being a little more generous, a little more joyful, and a little more loving, just as she taught us.

Eva’s family would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the continued care from her dialysis team at Sandia Dialysis.

Pallbearers:

Anthony Candelaria, Dwight Sullivan Jr., Ronnie Sullivan, Evan Miranda, Emilio Lovato, and Rian Plant

Honorary Pallbearers:

Rebecca Medina, Stefani Sullivan, Zita Zamora, Paula Lopez, Miranda Candelaria, Augusta Romero, Sasha Sullivan, Juan Rubi

Nephews Gabriel & Jaylon Zavala & Brother Joe Barela

Services will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025:

Rosary at 10:00 AM, with Mass to follow Saint Peter & Paul Catholic Church https://maps.app.goo.gl/jE9XKAZW6XC7BTHM8

Interment: Estancia Cemetery https://maps.app.goo.gl/HQPBfKMg1M2hCgtw6

Reception to follow: Estancia Catholic Center https://maps.app.goo.gl/FH4dVycFdE9KvD2QA