Lila F. Rivera

Lila Fernandez, 81, a lifelong resident of Espanola went home to meet her Heavenly Savior on May 5, 2013 after a lengthy illness with Alzheimers. Her passion in life was to love and serve the Lord each day. Lila is preceded in death by her mother-in-law Celia Archuleta (daughter of the late Candido and Sostena Gomez) and niece Stephanie Castaneda both of El Rancho. Lilass parents Atancio and Aurora Fernandez of Cordova, NM, oldest brother and sister Juan and Trinidad, brothers Luis (Johnny), Elizardo (Eddie), Max and wife Aurora Fernandez, sister Agnes Garduno, brother-in-law Joe Torres and nephew Larry Antonio Fernandez and great nephew Larry Fernandez Jr.

Lila is survived by her daughters Joyce and Lydia Rivera, her living brothers and sisters Ben and Patricia Fernandez, Ernesto and Yolanda Fernandez, Stella Torres, Vern and Marcia Witsoe, Rubel and Emily Pacheco and Modesta (Mary) Honesto. Lila has numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and other loving relatives and friends in the Lord.

Lila accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior when she was 18 years old. She served God for 63 years. Her passion was Christ and sharing His good news to children as a Sunday school teacher. She was a bundle of love and generosity. She loved talking to people and sharing her faith where the opportunity arose. She was a very kind and tender hearted person. She was selfless and put others first before herself. Today, Heaven received our beautiful rose. She will be really missed by her family and friends.

A visitation and rosary were held on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at Victory Faith Church in Espanola. Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on May 10, 2013 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Espanola. Interment followed at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Patrick Villareal, Benny Atencio, Randy Roybal and Daniel Pacheco.

Honorary Pallbearers: Dion Villareal

To the sunshine and love of Lilas life (besides Jesus), Dion Villareal. Lila lived every day to your joyous antics, funny faces and all around positive words of wisdom. She loves you always as the son she never had. Addus Healthcare, Teresa and Staff: you are all awesome. The family couldnt have taken care of Lila without you all. A special Thank You to all of Lilas Addus caregivers throughout the years and especially to Esther Gurule, Angie Herrera and Cecilia Lujan.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Lilas name to the Alzheimers Association: 9500 Montgomery, NE, Suite 121, Albuquerque, NM 87111.

Thank You and God Bless you, ALL.