Donella Herrera

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donella Herrera, 90, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, who was called home by our heavenly Father on December 27, 2024. Surrounded by her loving family, Donella entered into eternal rest, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and faith.

Born on April 20, 1934, to Conce and Fidelita Vigil, Donella was raised in Sombrillo alongside her seven siblings, where the values of family and faith were deeply instilled in her. She shared 48 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Phillip Herrera, raising eight children and building a life rooted in love, integrity, and devotion.

Those that had the pleasure of knowing Donella can attest to her boundless compassion and generosity. Her home served as a place of comfort, warmth, belonging, and security to so many over the years. She never had an empty house, as it was a place of solace and sanctuary always open to anyone that needed it. 

She was the glue to her family and played an indispensable role in the lives of all her grandchildren, where she helped raise and care for so many of them. Donella was a matriarch, always exhibiting honesty, compassion, and empathy. She never judged, practiced forgiveness and kindness, and shared her words of wisdom. Her shared life experiences, lessons, and wisdom will resonate for years to come. 

Donella’s love and compassion extended beyond her family, as she worked as a Teacher’s Assistant for many years at Fairview and Sombrillo Elementaries. She was proud of her job and loved the many kids that she had the pleasure of interacting with daily. She often packed extra snacks and took clothes to the kids at school she knew needed nurturing. Her job was not an obligation but a place where she served as a grandmother to other kids and was able to touch the lives of the youth that needed additional love and support.

Besides her kind heart and sense of humor, Donella was an accomplished cook. She was celebrated for her caldito, beans, mashed potatoes, and tortillas—meals made with love that brought her family together. Her cooking was more than just nourishment; it was a symbol of her care and her ability to create meaningful moments with those she loved.

Donella was a devoted fan of the Golden State Warriors and she rarely missed a game. Her favorite player was Stephen Curry and she noted about his greatness quite frequently. So much so that she took down some of her home decor and displayed Warrior memorabilia in her living room of her favorite team. She knew the players, exhibited excitement, and looked forward to their games. Her love for the team was yet another testament to her zest for life and her ability to find joy in even the simplest pleasures.

Donella found happiness in the small meaningful things in life. She enjoyed conversations with her family, telling stories of her younger years, getting her nails done, shopping on QVC, and spending time with those she loved. A woman of deep faith, she centered her life around God, praying daily and encouraging others to seek his guidance in their lives. She leaves behind a legacy that will carry on for generations, as her compassion and generosity had no limitations. Her family and all those who had the privilege of knowing her will carry her memory in their hearts forever.

Donella was preceded in death by her parents, Conce and Fidelita Vigil, husband Phillip Herrera, daughter Melanie Herrera, brothers Ben and Ernest Vigil, sisters, Gloria Martinez, Mabel Duran, Corrine Martinez, and grandsons Brian Angelo Herrera, Jimmy Romero and Carlos Maestas. 

She is survived by her children Noreen (Charlie), Phyllis Vargas (Ross), Yvette Martinez (Daniel), Michelle Herrera, Brian Herrera (Desiree), Glen Herrera, and Darren Herrera. Sisters Priscilla Martinez, MaryLou Vigil, Brother-in law,  Harold Martinez, Sister-in Laws, Carmen Vigil and Gloria Martin, Grandchildren that she raised as her own Kayla Moralas (Thomas), Kimberly Martinez (Sean), Amberly Trujillo (Nicole), 19 grandchildren, and 33 great-children and numerous nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to Desiree Chavez for the Love, Kindness, and Care she provided Donella before she was called home. Your compassion made an incredible difference. To Raymond Sanchez, we are deeply grateful for your unwavering support and love for our mother/grandmother, offering her comfort and strength in every moment. Also, Thank you to Father Gabriel, family, and friends for the support, prayers and food.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to Louie Sandoval and Ben Vigil families and for the nurses Dina, Gracie, and Emily at Roadrunner Hospice for their exceptional care and dedication. Your efforts brought immense comfort to our family during this time, and we will always hold your kindness in our hearts.

A public visitation will begin at 5:00 pm on Thursday, January 9, 2025, in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home, followed by a rosary at 6:00 pm. A mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday January 10, 2025, at 11:00 am at Santa Cruz de La Canada with burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Angelo Atencio, Ross Vargas Jr., Daniel Martinez, Raymond Sanchez, Thomas Morales, and Jeff Roybal.

All serving as Donella’s Honorary Pallbearers will be her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The family of Donella Herrera has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home of the Espanola Valley 505-747-7477.