On Tuesday, the 15th of September 2026, after a six-year battle with cancer, Judy Darlene Bransford, age 70, surrounded by family and love closed her eyes to embark on her final, most peaceful journey to be with our Lord and Savior.

On November 23, 1955 Judy made her grand entrance into this world. Born to Antonio (Tony) and Manuela ( Mela) Otero, Judy was the 3rd of 7 children. Born in Albuquerque and raised in El Cerro, New Mexico she grew up surrounded not only by her siblings, but her aunts, uncles, cousins and friends too numerous to count. She loved the chaos that comes from being part of such a large family and close community,

Judy began her education even before she was "of age", starting catechism at age 4, She thoroughly enjoyed school and was active in many clubs and activities and had the most fun as a cheerleader. She graduated from Los Lunas High School in 1973 and would later return to The College of Santa Fe in the late 80s. In 1992 she graduated from CSF with honors and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education. 

In July 1973, Judy married Kerry Bransford, the man with whom she would share her life: her love, her heart, her joy, her laughter, her tears, her pain...trials and triumphs. They truly shared it all and stand as a beautiful example of a perfectly imperfect marriage held together by the grace of God and an undeniable love.

The couples had  three daughters; Dawn, Rosana, and Tiffany. They loved to do things together as a family from celebrating achievements to traveling to experiencing new places and adventures. They shared an amazing bond.

Judy became a grandmother ( Nona) in March 1993 and her grandson Garek was the light of her life. She absolutely loved being a mom, but being a Nona took the cake! Judy and Kerry enjoyed traveling all over the world and loved taking Garek with them as often as they could to share in these experiences with them. 

Judy retired after 25 year career as an elementary teacher. She and Kerry settled in Rio Rancho and in 2020, she was diagnosed with cancer and given less than a year to live. God had His own plans and Judy was able to see her grandson married and helped welcome her THREE great-grandsons! She would not given up her battle until she knew her family was in a good place and God, in His mercy and compassion answered those prayers.

Judy is survived by Kerry, her husband of 53 years, oldest daughter Dawn Antonio and her husband, Robert, grandson Garek Antonio and his wife Mercedes, three great-grandsons Liam, Lincoln, and Thomas, sister Darlene Roche and her husband Eddie, sister Debbie Nail, her brother-in-law Steve Raley, sister-in-law Ramona Otero, sister-in-law Cathy Chaffee, numerous nieces and nephews (great nieces and nephews , too!) ALL of whom she adored! She was preceded in death by her youngest daughters Rosana and Tiffany Bransford, her parents Antonio and Manuela Otero, her father and mother-in-law Richard and Doris Bransford, brothers Ted and Anthony Otero, sister Dolly Raley, and nephews Gabriel Roche, Adam Otero, and Steffan Memmer.

Special thank you to Hannah Garcia and Bosque Trails Hospice for the incredible care and compassion that went well above any job description.

Services will be held at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church in Belen, date and time pending .