Bernadette Esparza Tovar, 79 of Bayard, NM passed away surrounded by her family Saturday, May 23, 2026. She was born September 12, 1946 in Hanover, NM to Margarito and Polly Esparza.
Bernie was a woman of faith, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend and devout Catholic of Our Lady of Fatima Parish. A member of the Guadalupana Society and serving as president for several years. An active volunteer in the funeral ministry along with teaching catechism and preparing students for their 1st Holy Communion.
Her kindness and warmth touched the lives of many. Bernie was the heart of her family and a steadfast pillar of Our Lady of Fatima. Her faith was the foundation of everything she did. She was the first to offer a heartfelt prayer for anyone in need. She taught her loved ones how to walk with God. She leaves behind a rich legacy of Faith.
She enjoyed cooking for her family. Cooking the best green chile, stuffed galletas, calabacitas, tortillas, and the best empanadas.
She is survived by her beautiful children, Annette Diaz (Martin), Cindy Campos (Dennis), Alex Tovar (Audrey) and Regina Vega (Frank); thirteen grandchildren, Conrad, Antoinette (Logan), Brandi (Shirley), Angelica (Frank), Regan (Davi), Alyssa, Destiny (Iaiah), Paige (Raymond), Alejandro (Alejandra), Presley, Jared (Rishae), Jeremy, and Jesse; thirteen great grandchildren; she is survived by her brothers, Richard Esparza (Elizabeth), Ernesto Esparza, and her sister, Angie Murillo. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alex Tovar ('2023), and her parents, Margarito and Polly Esparza.
She now rests in the eternal arms of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Visitation will be Wednesday, May 27th from 5-6pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels where the recitation of the holy rosary will commence at 6pm with Father Martin. The mass of the Catholic Burial will be held on Thursday, May 28th at 10am at Our Lady of Fatima Church followed by interment at the Hanover cemetery. Pallbearers will be Conrad Diaz, Regan Ramos, Alejandro Tovar, Jared and Jesse Vega, and Sammy Simpson. Honorary pallbearer Jeremy Vega.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
