Adelina "Veli" Loera Sandoval went home to be with her Lord and Father Monday morning January 11, 2016 surrounded by her family.

Adelina was born to Juanita M. Loera and Pedro Loera on April 27, 1930 in Fierro New Mexico. She had 3 sisters, Celia Arellano, Dora Escobar and Louisa Gonzales, two younger brothers, Pedro Loera Jr. and Alberto Loera. At the age of 18 Adelina lost her mother and sister, on September 23, 1950 in a tragic car accident. She stepped into the role of caregiver/mother to her father, two younger brothers and her 2 year old niece Virginia Gonzales, whom she would legally adopt with her father Pedro.

Adelina married Edward G. Sandoval January 16 1966 and once again stepped into the role of being mother/caregiver to Edwards two daughters, Julia and Annette Sandoval, from a previous marriage, whom she would again, later adopt as her own daughters. In December of 1966 she gave birth to their first daughter Luisa Sandoval and in December 1973 she gave birth to their second daughter Reina Sandoval. Adelina would often reflect on those years she lived in Fierro with her family as being the best years of her life.

She kept a beautiful garden of flowers and fruit trees throughout her life. She enjoyed being outdoors, camping with family or just going out for picnics.

Adelina worked at Fort Bayard Medical Center dietary department for several years, until her retirement. She then went on to work part time at Fort Bayard escorting residents to and from the beauty shop and she worked for the Foster Grandma Program in Bayard for some years.

Adelina was a Guadalupana in the Fatima Parish and was active with her beloved St. Anthony's church in Fierro for as long as her health allowed, her devotion to God was unwavering, strong and carried her through to the end.

Adelina is survived by her sister Dora Escobar, daughters Virginia Alirez, husband Robert, Luisa Sharick, husband Danny and Reina Garcia, husband Steve. Her grandchildren Robbie Alirez, wife Raquel Christopher Alirez wife Silvia, Maria Luisa Alirez, companion Irene, Analicia Arellano, Rita Arellano, Cathy Arellano, Adam Arellano wife Robbyn, Selina Garcia and Edward Villareall. Her Great-grandchildren, Marc Anthony Alirez, Gabriella Alirez, Robert James Alirez, Colton Villegas, Brianda Alirez, Isaiah Alirez, Isabella Alirez, Adrian Recinos, Jasmine Recinos, Amaya Arellano, Anzio Arellano, Andi Dildey, Mila Davis, Juliana Salsberry and future baby Lauer. Adelina is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, all whom she loved very much and prayed for on a daily basis.

Adelina's entire family would like to express special gratitude to Hospice of New Mexico who became part of our family over the last few months of her life, with special acknowledgement to Fr. Patrick whose visits were always looked forward to.

Visitation will be held Monday, January 18, 2016 at 5 O'clock in the evening at Baca's Funeral Chapels. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 6 O'clock. The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 O'clock in the morning Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Concluding services and interment will follow at Fierro Cemetery.