Helena Luisa Herrera

Helena Herrera lived from August 2, 1943, to February 19, 2022.

Rosary: 10:00 am, Tuesday, March 1, 2022 before the service

Service: 11:00 am, Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church

Interment:  Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Fort Worth

Mom crossed the ocean from Portugal to the USA at the early age of 16.  She married and raised 5 adored children.  Later, she married her loving and caring husband Ray Herrera.   Their 34 years of love and marriage added an additional 3 children to love and embrace.   However, the family she created was much more than us, grandchildren and great grandchildren, there were Avo’s and Abuelita(o)’s, Uncles and Aunts, Cousins and Friends and pretty much all that walked in.

She was very proud to have worked for over 20 years and retired from USRC as a Lab Technician as her final career.  She was admired and loved by this community and found her Calling . . . to help someone and do more than what is expected of you.  A member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, she was devoted to Jesus and the following in His beliefs.  Although, her life held many titles, what she treasured most was being the head of our family.  Her presence was loving, gifting and kind.   She would reach out her hand to anyone in need and cherish every moment when her love was received.

Holidays. Holidays were her favorite.  Any holiday!  On Memorial Day, July 4^th, Veteran’s Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, you could drive by to see their house decorated.  Most times, both inside and out.  She loved celebrating!   Christmas was our favorite.  This is where she brought us to her roots and shared her Portuguese ancestry and traditions.  You never knew who she would have crossed paths with and invite to their home to share in this time.   With delight, she would introduce them to the family that she was so proud of!    You could always find food, music, and laughter at Mom and Dad’s.  Yes, the food they provided was always too much, but she wanted to make sure that there was always enough for everyone; and Dad likes leftovers.  But mostly, this was the time she took pride in seeing and enjoying our family together and where she was able to get all our love at once.

Her journey may feel shortened for those she leaves behind.  However, she accomplished the most important thing you can ever ask for in life; and that is to be revered.

We will miss her presence dearly as she has now been released to the Lord.  Fly Butterfly, Fly.  Thank God for you and for giving you your wings.

–The Helena Family

“I will see you when I see you.”  Helena Herrera

I recently learned that the Greek meaning of Mom’s name is Shining Light; she was that and so much more to all of us.  Never has anyone been more aptly named.  She will be deeply missed.

– Dennis Juarez

She has traveled the world, with family in tow, and made Fort Worth, Texas her final home.  Her home was inviting and always clean.  When you entered her house, you felt family.  She gave us a gift that we all know as Love.  We will carry it on as she now watches above.

–Debbie Vaught

Helena is survived by her husband, Ray Herrera; children, David Juarez (Cathy), Daniel Juarez; Didi Smith (Troy), Debbie Vaught (Dennis), Dennis Juarez (Alethea); stepsons, Ernie Herrera, Robert Herrera (Jessica), Dianna Espinoza (Ferny); grandsons, Zac Smith, Stephen Hamrick, David Juarez, Jr (DJ), Raymond Herrera, Sean Vaught (Alyssa); granddaughters, Brittany Besse (Geoff), Sydni Vaught, Danaka Uresti (Eduardo), Cheyenne Hernandez, Alexis Espinoza, Marissa Espinoza, Leila Herrera (Matt); great grandchildren, Aria & Leto Besse, Reagan Vaught Ramos, Vladimir Hamrick, Brynn Aguillon, Emilia Vaught; Sister, Didi Soares; Brother & Sister-in-law, Rudy Herrera (Cora); Sister-in-law, Mary Alice Ruiz; Brother-in-law, Charles Boss.

Pallbearers:  David Juarez, Daniel Juarez, Dennis Juarez, Sean Vaught, Zac Smith, Robert Herrera, Stephen Hamrick, DJ Juarez.

Honorary Pallbearers:  Ernie Herrera, Troy Smith, Dennis Vaught, Ferny Espinoza, Mario Pinheiro, Geoff Besse.