Emma Juana Herrera, 100, of Nambe, NM passed away peacefully on Monday, July 27, 2026. 

Emma was born June 24, 1926 in Raton, NM to Estevan and Rebecca Ortiz Archuleta who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Lorenzo, grandsons, Carlos Vigil and James Saiz, son-in-law, Robert Rivera; brother, Manuel Antonio Archuleta, sisters, Arabella Jiron (Juan), Maria Demecia Martinez (Damian), Frances Gallegos (Nestor), and Leonora Archuleta; father and mother-in-law, David and Manuelita Herrera, sister-in-law, Enriqueta Rodriguez (Eduardo), brothers-in-law, Esperanza Herrera (Sabina), Adrian Herrera (Natividad), Cornelio Herrera (Antonia), Eloy Herrera (Guadalupe), Flaviano Herrera (Celia), Laurel Herrera (Maria), Ramon Herrera (Susie), Librado Herrera (Susie), and David Herrera Jr.

Emma is survived by her son, Adrian Herrera, daughters, Gabriela Torrez (David), Cathy Rivera, Monica Saiz (Ray), and Noreen Romero (Bob); Grandchildren, Reina Brandon (Jeremiah), Rico Torrez (Christa), Jeff Rivera (Jessica), Jennifer Stout (Dave), Taña Holder (Anthony), and Raul Romero; 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her brother, Leopoldo Archuleta (Perfidia), sister-in-law, Josephine Herrera, and many beloved relatives and friends.

Emma was a loving daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, wife, mother, godmother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend.

She attended Nambe Elementary and was a proud graduate of Pojoaque High School. After graduation Emma married Lorenzo and they enjoyed 70 beautiful years of marriage. Together they raised a family and became very involved in the community they loved, their "lindo" Nambe. Emma was always busy but she could always be counted on to help anyone in need. She was an excellent cook, a skilled seamstress, a creative homemaker and in her later years, a caretaker for her elderly father and mother-in-law, then for her own precious mother who lived to be 101. Emma did everything with unconditional love, kindness, empathy, selflessness, and compassion. Her two greatest loves were her family and her faith. She was a devoted Catholic and a lifelong parishioner of Sagrado Corazon de Jesus in Nambe and St. Francis of Assisi in Nambe Pueblo. For over 40 years Emma served as the Holy Family Celedora for Nuestra Señora de Guadelupe del Valle de Pojoaque. She was a humble leader who led by example.

Lord, grant Emma eternal rest and let perpetual light shine upon her. Amen

The family of Emma would like to give heartfelt thanks to Taña Holder for helping them care for their mother, in their time of need; to Gary Sanchez for consistently lending support through daily prayers, good advice and special acts of kindness; to the competent Española Ambercare staff, especially Brianna Vigil; to Father Joseph Vigil for administering the last rights; and to everyone who offered prayers, love and support.

A Rosary will take place on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the Nambe Catholic Church in Nambe, NM and Mass at 9:30 a.m. Reception to follow Mass at the Cities of Gold Event Center. Burial will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.