Theresa Christina Barela

Theresa Christina Barela, known affectionately by friends and family as Terry, was a beacon of joy and laughter in the lives of those she touched. Born on December 4, 1950, in Denver, CO, Terry's infectious smile and spirited laugh became her trademark throughout her 73 years of life. Terry's final curtain call came on February 12, 2024, in Federal Heights, CO, after a spirited battle with COPD—a fight she faced with characteristic humor and resilience.

Terry was the life of the party, a woman who could turn a trip to the grocery store into a comedy routine. She was the beloved sister of Mario Fierro and Marylouise Baca, who will miss her knack for turning everyday moments into cherished memories. Her children, Michelle Matthews, Terry Barela, Dawn Barela, and Samantha Bargas, inherited their mother's quick wit and ability to find joy in the little things. Terry's grandchildren—Darlene Damian, Stephanie Barela, Cecilia Hernandez, Jonathan Matthews Jr., Antoinette Kisner, Timothy Martinez Jr., Cereana Rodriguez, Kassondra Nickel, Kira Nickel, and Kirk Nickel Jr.; Eliana Morales; Araya Lucero, Evangelina Lucero, and Musanique Lucero—were her greatest audience, always eager for her next joke or funny story. And let's not forget her great-grandchildren—MaryJane Uong, Aries Uong, Juliana Uong, Franky Matthews, Leonardo Hernandez, Isabella Hernandez, Jonathan Matthews III, Aaron Kisner, and Rhylan Kisner, and Chanel Martinez—who were sure to inherit Terry's comedic timing and love for a good laugh.

Professionally, Terry blossomed as a florist before becoming a beloved paraprofessional for the Adams County school district. She never missed an opportunity to crack a joke, turning even the dullest school board meeting into an unexpected comedy club. Her colleagues often joked that Terry missed her calling as a stand-up comedienne, though her students might argue she was exactly where she was meant to be.

Terry's interests were as eclectic as her sense of humor. She could be found listening to music, her feet tapping along to the beat, or glued to the latest crime TV show, where she'd often predict the ending before the first commercial break. Dancing was another of Terry's passions, and she could out-twist anyone on the dance floor, leaving onlookers in stitches with her moves. Her philosophy was simple: if you're not having a good time, you're not doing it right.

As a woman who lived life in full color, Terry left an indelible mark on the world. Her laughter was a melody that played in the hearts of all who knew her, and her sense of humor was a gift that kept on giving. She navigated life with a wink and a nudge, reminding us all to take ourselves a little less seriously.

To say Terry will be missed is an understatement. She was a mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend—a woman whose legacy of laughter will echo through the generations. Her spirit, as irrepressible in death as it was in life, will continue to inspire chuckles and smiles in her absence. Terry's final joke, perhaps, is that she's now entertaining a celestial crowd, leaving us to imagine the standing ovation she's receiving on the other side.

Terry's life was a masterclass in finding humor in the everyday and joy in each moment. As we say goodbye to this remarkable woman, let's honor her by living as she did—with laughter on our lips and a dance in our steps. Here's to you, Terry—our favorite comedienne, our eternal bright light. Curtain down, applause up, and laughter forever.

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