Catalina H. Bernal, 100, was born on February 13, 1922 and went to be with the Lord on February 18, 2022. She was born in El Paso, Texas to Antonio Hidalgo and Pascuala Pichardo. She grew up in Downtown El Paso next to the International Bridge with the De La Torre family who always considered her as their sister. She attended Bowie High School, and shortly after joined the service with the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) in 1943.
Catalina married Roberto Bernal on July 4, 1949 and they had three children. She continued her service to her country and worked for Civil Service at Fort Bliss for 43 years. After retirement, she continued her labor of love and raised two grandsons, Adam and Daniel. She was a loving, kind, and caring person who enjoyed parties and getting together with family and friends. Catalina was a devout Catholic who believed in the power of prayer. She loved to bake and crochet, read on her Kindle, read the newspaper and play Solitaire on her I-pad, and Word Find puzzles to pass the time. Catalina enjoyed talking with her cousin, Grace, every day on the phone and Friday afternoon visits with her niece, Betty. She made the best refried beans in town and loved to eat hot chile, sweetbread, and Krispy Kreme donuts. She will be forever loved and missed by everyone whose heart she touched.
Catalina was preceded in death by her parents, siblings (Antonio Hidalgo and Ofelia Acosta), husband (Roberto), son (Robert), and great-granddaughter (Kaylee). She is survived by her son, Julian (Michelle) and daughter, Elizabeth Parra (Enrique), 5 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
A visitation for Catalina will be held Thursday, March 17, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Avenue, with Rosary at 7:00 PM. Funeral mass will be Friday, March 18, at 11:30 AM at St Pius X Catholic Church, 1050 N Clark Drive. Interment will follow at 1:00 PM at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Avenue.
Pallbearers will be Adan and Daniel Parra, Christina Reeves, Robert Bernal, Rudy Escajeda, and Rick Tellez. Honorary Pallbearers are Richard Warthen, George Goins, Clark Nichols, and Ramon Renteria.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FunerariaDelAngelCentral.com for the Bernal family.
