Obituary of Barbara E. Alefeld

Barbara Ellen (Vasselli) Alefeld of Belen, New Mexico was called to the Lord on September 5, 2020. 

Barbara is predeceased by her parents, Angela and Carl Vasselli and her husband of 48 years, Joseph. She is survived by her two sons; Joseph, of Belen (a truly wonderful caregiver) and Christopher of Nevada and granddaughter, Angela. 

Barbara is also survived by her sister Francesca (Patricia) Fabrizio of Normandy Beach, New Jersey and her children, Michael Pannullo and Noelle Brown, and brother Carl (Tamara) of Cary, North Carolina, and their children Giancarlo and Angelina.

Barbara was a favorite “Aunt Bobbie” to her grand nephews: Jonathan Pannullo, Adrian and Harrison Brown, and Michael Ciambriello. Barbara will also be so very missed by her many cousins. 

Barbara was born on December 24, 1942, Christmas Eve and was truly a gift to our family. She was raised in New Jersey and graduated from Columbia High School in Maplewood and the Berkeley Secretarial School. Upon moving to Belen, Barbara became an active member of her parish, Our Lady of Belen, where she joined the Catholic Daughters of America and served as a CCD teacher as well as a substitute teacher. She was also an enthusiastic member of her local square dancing troupe. Barbara’s legacy should be admired by all. 

Barbara was a kind and gentle woman who always spoke well of others and proved to be a true friend of the many who knew her. Our special thank you to Rita, a most caring neighbor who was there for Barbara day and night.

In lieu of flowers, Barbara’s family asks that donations be made to Our Lady of Belen Church, Belen, New Mexico, 87002, in her memory. 

A Liturgy of Christian Burial and interment was held for Barbara on September 25, 2020 at Our Lady Of Belen Church, New Mexico.  

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Rose of Lima Church, Short Hills at 11:15 on Saturday, October 3, 2020.