Louella E. Fernandez

LOUELLA ESPERANZA FERNANDEZ
Louella Esperanza Fernandez, born on August 30, 1940, in Chama, New Mexico, passed away on January 17, 2023 in Santa Fe. Louella was the devoted and loyal wife of Manuel (Neo) Fernandez, with whom she shared 33 loving and joyful years. She is survived by her children, Tommy (Susan) Rodriguez, Tanya (Steve) Rodriguez, and Jolene (Patrick) Graf; Ron (Shelline) Fernandez, Susan (Steven) Chamberlin, and Helen (Will) Jackson; brothers Horace (Alice) Valdez, Jake (Mary Helen) Valdez, Rudy (Lugi) Valdez, and Milton Valdez, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Louella was a doting grandmother to her 11 grandchildren and a faithful friend too many. She was preceded in death by her son Lt. Colonel Robert Rodriguez, brother Louie Valdez, and parents Antonio and Emma Valdez.

Louella dedicated decades of service to the State of New Mexico, where she worked for the Public Schools Insurance Authority and later for the City of Santa Fe. She served her community by being a member of the Santa Fe Fiesta Council and also serving as an election official. A dutiful servant, she was actively involved in the New Mexico State Legislature for many years and proudly worked on the Senate Finance Committee under Senator John Arthur Smith.
Ever faithful and devout, Louella cherished the Blessed Mother and prayed her rosary daily. Her graciousness and humility were surpassed only by her generous and tender heart. Because of her nurturing and outgoing spirit, Louella made friends effortlessly. Her exuberant smile, vivacious personality and warm nature were beloved by all who knew her.
Louella was an elegantly beautiful woman who faced every challenge in her life with incredible poise, dignity, and class. Her compassion and genuine goodness will serve as her legacy. May her light shine forevermore.

Viewing is on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. at Berardinelli Mortuary.  A rosary will be recited at10:00 a.m at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi .A funeral mass Will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and burial to follow at Memorial Gardens.