This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Herrera, Gallegos, Estrada Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/4709/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Victoria "Vickie" Estrada Herrera, October 17, 1919 to September 02, 2010 In her private residence, On Thursday, September 02, 2010, at 11:30 p.m., Victoria "Vickie" Estrada Herrera returned to her Maker's arms where her husband of 62 years, Susano Herrera; mother, Catarina Gallegos-Estrada; father, Juan Estrada; sister, Juanita Mulvihill; and brothers, Cruz Estrada and Pedro Estrada, embraced her lovingly and rejoiced that they were together once again. Family members will cherish with sincerest warmth and tenderness the ups and downs of farm life in the Mesilla Valley. Her sons and their spouses Susano, Jr. and Dora, Raymond and Rosalie, Ernesto and companion Maria Morales; John and Monica; as well as her thirteen grandchildren Gilbert, Albert, Cynthia Gamboa, Jacob, Yvette Di Martino, John David, Susie Widner, Ernest Jr., Laurie Garcia, Veronica, Pablo, Angelica, Michael and their respective families will mourn deeply her passing, but take courage that she has prepared the way for each. Her brother, Marcelino Estrada and spouse Alicia of Las Cruces, will treasure the memory of his older sister. Eighteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild will grow to hear fond stories from their parents, numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. They will talk nostalgically about the days at Grandpa Susanos' and Grandma Vickies'. Vickie, born October 17, 1919, attended Las Cruces High School and volunteered later in life to help children learn to read at Alameda Elementary and Doña Ana Elementary Library. She was the Secretary-Treasurer for the Volunteers in Public School since 1976. But above all, she expressed her God-given gifts in forming a place, even with the slimmest of resources, where her husband and four boys could be nourished and rest for the next day's labors. It was where her heart lay, making a home where one felt gratified, thankful and fulfilled. For the work at hand, her inner strength was inexhaustible. In those early days it was hard to feed five hungry and tired men. If you heard her calling out the back door, ".el que va a Mesilla, perde su silla," you had better run or you lost your place at the dinner table since there were only four chairs and six mouths to feed. Nevertheless, she chided her boys for taking hot, freshly made tortillas from the top of the pile which never seem! ed to grow. They relished them and in spite of her swiping hand and threats, they unabashedly took them from the top to slather them with butter and eat them. She was spiritually and religiously committed to her Roman Catholic faith and made absolutely sure that her boys received a religious education by enrolling them at Holy Cross Catholic School. Though her grandchildren will never experience anymore her delight in their successes and triumphs, they will find solace knowing she continues to look after them. Victoria "Vickie" Estrada Herrera was truly a noble wife, humble woman, and she will deeply be missed by many. Visitation for Vickie Herrera will be at 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 07, 2010 at La Paz-Graham's Funeral Home 555 W. Amador Ave. followed by a period of remembrance at 7 p.m. in La Paz-Graham's Chapel, where the prayer vigil is scheduled. Mass of the resurrection will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 08, 2010 at St. Genevieve's Catholic Church 100 S. Espina St. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Las Cruces where she will be laid to rest. Serving as casket bearers will be Pablo Herrera, John David Herrera, Ernest Herrera Jr., Luis Marquez, Michael Widner and great-grandson Nicholas Herrera-Guerrero. Honorary bearers will be Ed Martinez and grandson Michael Joseph Herrera, and great-grandson Santiago Ezekiel Herrera-Guerrero. Following the services a reception will be at the St. Genevieve's Parish Hall. Vickie wishes that in lieu of flowers donations be made in her memory to American Cancer Society . Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of La Paz - Graham's Funeral Home. Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on September 5, 2010 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.