Sheree Rochelle Lopez Barela Kornelsen, the brightest light in many lives touched by her, passed away crowned in flowers, peacefully, surrounded by her loving family and close friends who shared stories of her life as she joined God. After fighting a courageous and hard-fought battle with the c-word—a battle she fearlessly and valiantly confronted—Sheree was welcomed home to be with the Lord, Saturday, August 8th, 2026.

Born on February 20, 1987 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Sheree graduated from St. Michael’s High School and the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where she met the love of her life, Andy, her husband of 10 years. She spent a decade in Hawaii where she made many cherished friends and joined new chosen families, a place that was deeply part of her nature-loving soul.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Andrew “Andy” Kornelsen, actively serving in the U.S. Air Force. Sheree and Andy were inseparable when Andy was off duty, always there to support one another, no matter what, or where their adventures took them in the world. Andy bravely joined Sheree as she fought, and was by her side until her last breath. She is survived by the loves of her life, her vivacious twin daughters, Ariana Lucille and Eliana Nari, dedicated and loving mother Donna Lopez (Mike Archuleta), loyal and giving father and mother-in-law, Terry and Eng Kornelsen, father Paul Barela (Johnette Anaya), brother Russell Martin, nephew Leo, niece Violet, and Grandma Lucy & Grandpa Chali. Sheree comes from a big, boisterous family and friends’ groups that played many roles in support of her final months.

Sheree loved and was loved by countless people whose lives she touched with her remarkable inner- and outer-beauty. She will be remembered as a fierce and passionate woman who set her sights on a goal and achieved it. She was a woman who would do anything for her neighbor, who brought people together, and who could light up any space simply by being in it.

She had a magnetic presence that drew people in and an infectious laugh that was impossible not to love. She was a woman who captured those around her, commanded the room, and left a positive impression wherever she went. She was talented, bold, creative, vibrant, generous, and unapologetically herself, and leaves behind lifetimes of gifted artworks she created.

One of Sheree’s greatest passions was gardening and her flower farm, where she worked alongside her twin girls. This practice allowed her to fully express the joy of being Andy‘s wife and Eli and Ari’s mother, which truly completed her. Through her flowers and creativity, she had a truly special gift for bringing beauty into the world and transforming every space she touched. Her love of color, creativity, and life was reflected in everything she did.

Sheree lived with immense passion and purpose. She loved relentlessly, dreamed and manifested valiantly, and never hesitated to show up for the people she cared about. Her strength, determination, generosity, and indomitable spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Though her time with us was far too short, the beauty she created, the people she brought together, and the love she gave so freely and generously will remain with all of us forever and ever.

Services & Memorial Information

• Funeral Mass: Friday, August 21 at 1:30 PM

Cristo Rey Church — 1120 Canyon Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501

• Celebration of Life: Following the mass

17 Don Bernardo, Santa Fe (Nambé), NM 87506

Floral contributions may be arranged through Barton’s Bloom Boutique at (505) 982-9731, or memorial contributions may be made to the family's GoFundMe

https://www.gofundme.com/f/q6f6ae-support-sherees-fight-against-cancer

The family of Sheree Rochelle Lopez Barela Kornelsen has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Beautiful Espanola Valley 505-747-7477.