Bernadette Sedillo

Bernadette R. Sedillo ("Bernie") 1965 – 2025 Bernadette R. Sedillo, lovingly known as Bernie, passed away on April 15, 2025, at the age of 59 at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces, NM. Born and raised in Roswell, NM, Bernie lived a life marked by purpose, conviction, and care for those around her. A passionate and accomplished attorney, Bernie dedicated her life to the pursuit of justice and the ethical treatment of those accused of crimes. She practiced law both privately and as a federal public defender, fiercely advocating for the rights of the vulnerable and for the rule of law. Her work was a reflection of her values: fairness, integrity, and deep compassion. Guided by a strong Catholic faith, Bernie found strength and peace in her spirituality — especially in the final chapters of her life. Knowing her time was limited, she traveled to Europe with the love of her life, Michael Sanchez, on a pilgrimage to visit sacred sites. It was a journey of grace and reflection, filled with quiet moments of connection, devotion, and love. Michael was not just her partner — he was her constant, her caretaker, her best friend, and the person who shared her heart and her life in every way that truly matters. Their bond was deep and lasting, a relationship built on mutual respect, laughter, faith, and unwavering support. In her final days, Michael stood by her with courage and tenderness, caring for her through every moment. Bernie would want him to know — and for all who loved her to know — that he did everything right. He gave her strength, peace, and love until her very last breath. Bernie found joy in traveling, watching movies, and caring for her beloved dogs and her cat, Scout. She was known for her fierce honesty and unshakable sense of responsibility. She never hesitated to tell the truth — even when it was hard to hear — but always followed it with love, guidance, and solutions. She shouldered the burdens others couldn't, especially in caring for her parents during their final years and managing the family’s affairs afterward. Her strength was quiet but constant, and her love was deeply felt in both words and action. As a sister, Bernie was protective, steady, and always present. She and her younger brother Jerome shared a strong bond throughout their lives — one rooted in loyalty, care, and a deep understanding of family. Bernie always kept a watchful and loving eye on him, guiding with wisdom and showing up when it mattered most. Her love for her family ran deep, often expressed through her signature blend of strength, humor, and heartfelt devotion. She is survived by her life partner and soulmate, Michael Sanchez; her brother Jerome Sedillo and sister-in-law Kim; nephews Jerome Jr. and Donovan; nieces Marissa and Selina; and especially her nephew Matthew, for whom she held a deep and protective love. Preceding her in death are her parents, James and Margaret Sedillo; her sister, Selina Sedillo; and her brother, Jamie Sedillo. Bernie is also remembered with love by her close friends Roxanne and Gary, Marcy Lee, Edith Reeves, Jane Greek, Gia McGillivray, and many others whose lives she touched with her warmth, wit, and unwavering loyalty. She had countless close friends — too many to name — each one cherished deeply and remembered with affection and gratitude. She is also survived by a large and loving extended family, including many cousins, aunts, and uncles from the Roswell, Dexter, and Artesia, New Mexico area — especially the Sedillo and Orosco families, whose bonds of kinship and shared history were a deep source of pride and comfort for Bernie throughout her life. Bernie was also embraced by Michael’s family in New York, who welcomed her with open hearts and loved her as one of their own. Their connection was one of warmth and acceptance, and Bernie treasured the love and support she received from them across the miles. Bernie’s legacy is one of strength, devotion, and fearless love. She leaves behind a family and community forever shaped by her wisdom, her spirit, and her unwavering dedication to what was right — in law, in faith, and in life. A Rosary and funeral Mass celebrating Bernie’s life will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Newman Center in Las Cruces, NM (2615 S Solano Dr, Las Cruces, NM 88001). Family and friends are invited to gather and honor the life of a woman who gave so much of herself to others with strength, faith, and compassion. Graveside services will follow on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at South Park Cemetery in Roswell, NM (3101 S Main St, Roswell, NM 88203), where Bernie will be laid to rest alongside her beloved family. Bernie will be missed beyond measure but never forgotten.

Bernadette Sedillo

September 10, 1965 - April 15, 2025