Bernice M. Belarde

April 12, 1928 - April 25, 2024

Bernice M. Belarde was born on April 12, 1928, in Pine River (Los Pinos), NM, to Jose Velasquez and Ramoncita Lucero. She passed away peacefully in Las Cruces, NM, on April 25, 2024, surrounded by the love of her children.

Bernice was a cherished resident of Grants, NM, where she shared her life with her beloved husband, Jacob Belarde. A dedicated public servant, Bernice retired from the City of Grants with pride. She embraced the rich culture and traditions of New Mexico, finding joy in participating in chile cookoff festivals, dancing, singing, and passing down the art of making traditional foods to her family members.

A devout disciple of Jesus Christ, Bernice's faith was the cornerstone of her life.

Her love for her Savior shone brightly through her acts of compassion, kindness, and unwavering love for others.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jose Velasquez (1982) and Ramoncita Lucero (1930), as well as her brothers Manuel Velazquez (2003), Jose Ramon Velazquez (2005), Dionicio (2019), and sister Emiliana Vialpando (2017). Bernice was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jacob Belarde (1995).

Bernice is survived by her children: Phyllis Hernandez of Grants, NM, Helen Diaz of Las Cruces, NM, and James Belarde of Denver, Colorado. She is also survived by her sisters Rosalia Gutierrez and Eugenia ``Jenny' Sisneros, and brother Martin Velasquez. Bernice was a loving Nana to Matthew Hernandez, Jolene Martinez, James A. Belarde, Joshua Belarde, Joseph Belarde, Leticia Diaz, and Kathleen Belarde, and a cherished Great Nana to 10 children: Alyssa, Ryan, Abbigale, Lilliana, Carter, Ezariah, Jude, Grayson, Eleanor, and Zayleiah.

Pallbearers are Matthew Hernandez, Dustin Martinez, Ryan Martinez, James A. Belarde, Joshua Belarde, and Joseph Belarde.

Honorary Pallbearers are Ralph Lucero, Amarante Tafoya, Santiago Velasquez, Alfonso Velasquez, Manuel Martinez, and Cruz Hernandez.

Services celebrating Bernice's life will be held on May 03, 2024, at The Way, Truth, and Life Ministries in Grants, NM (700 Redondo Rd, Grants, NM 87020), with burial to follow at Grants Memorial Cemetery.

Bernice M.

Belarde