05/28/2026
Today is the Holy Mass for our Sister In Christ Bernadette (Bernie) Tovar. Our hearts grieve for the loss of her presence within our Church. Bernie was a pillar for us as she did so much to build up the spiritual and physical strength of this small community of believers at Our Lady of Fatima.
Bernie was a Fatima Helper, Guadalupana, Cursillista, a hostess for the Posadas, organizer of the Public Square Rosary Rally for our Parish, our Sweet Shoppe saleswoman, a member of the funeral ministry, a prayer warrior, and so much more!
Bernie always supported anything for the youth. She would do it for God and offer it up for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She inspired us with her devotion to Saint Philomena. She had a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus as well and donated images of them for the Pre-Confirmation class in the old schoolhouse.
Her devotion to Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church spans decades, and her beautiful smile can be found in many of our Facebook pictures.
Bernie leaves our Church Community with an empty space that only God Himself can fill up. We know by our faith that she is with Him and Alex and all those on the other side who have been patiently waiting to welcome her home. We love you Bernie and will miss your laughter, your hugs, your service and your love.
Pray for us, Bernie, as we continue to pray for you and for each other!
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