Andrea Barela, a beacon of love, humor, and inspiration, took her final bow on March 30, 2024. Born on October 14, 1971, in Pueblo, CO, she lived her life with a joyful spirit and a courageous heart that touched everyone she knew. A daughter, a mother, a grandmother, and a friend, Andrea was a kaleidoscope of roles, each as vibrant and unique as the other. As her daughter, I am honored to share her story, a tale of love, laughter, and the beauty of life.

There was a certain melody to Andrea's life. It was in the way she would drive around, absorbing the beauty of Colorado Springs, where she made her home. It was in the music she loved to listen to, her eyes closed, lost in a world of rhythm and harmony. And it was in the way she would meticulously organize the house, a symphony of perfect order amidst the delightful chaos of family life. As Maya Angelou once said, "Life is pure adventure, and the sooner we realize that, the quicker we will be able to treat life as art." This was a philosophy Andrea embodied every day, celebrating each moment, whether it was savoring a bowl of Pho or planning an exciting vacation.

The heart of Andrea's life was her family. Her children, Greg, Isaiah, and myself, Angel, were her pride and joy. She was the playful and doting grandmother to Babes, Grandpa Cocopuff, and Elayne. Her parents, Clifford Barella and Kathleen Messina, instilled in her the values of love and kindness that defined her. She found great joy in spoiling her grandchildren, her laughter mingling with theirs in a symphony of shared joy. Her friends, especially Patty Cakes and her coworkers, were an extension of her family, a testament to her ability to form deep, meaningful connections.

There will be a public viewing for Andrea Barela on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 3:00 pm MDT at the Greater Union Baptist Church, 1880 Xanthia Street, Denver, Colorado, 80220. The celebration of her life will follow at 4:00 pm MDT at the same venue. We invite all who knew and loved Andrea to join us in remembering and celebrating her beautiful life. We encourage you to share your memories, stories, and photos of Andrea on her memorial page. It is in these shared moments that Andrea's spirit will continue to live on, a melody that will never fade.