Olympia Herrera

On October 29, 2023, Olympia Herrera (90), was released from the constraints of the physical body and embraced into the loving arms of eternal peace.   

Born March 28, 1933 in Capulin, NM to Bonifacio and Juanita Gonzales, Olympia was the youngest of five siblings. She became a caregiver to her mother at an early age and carried on in this role until a tragic car accident would forever change their lives. Despite her adult life being shadowed by the resulting physical injuries, Olympia’s resilience would become the overall defining factor of her character.  

In 1957, she married Isaac C. Herrera. Together, they built their life in Coyote and ran a ranch in Mesa de Poleo. The pride and joy of her life was her son, Isaac. Her highest honor was caring for her young granddaughters following the passing of their mother, Barbara. She would later remain the primary caregiver to her granddaughter, Jessica, and raise her as a daughter. 

An artist in the truest form, Olympia was known for her skills in quilting, sewing, crocheting, wood carving, jewelry making, and weaving. She will be remembered for her talents, resilience, strength, wittiness, and thirst for life. She made those she loved feel special and will be deeply missed by a great many people.  

Preceding her in death were her husband, Isaac Herrera; parents, Bonifacio and Juanita Gonzales; In-laws, Alejandro and Ignacita Herrera; siblings Ramon Gonzales, Juan Gonzales, Romelia Salaz, and Selustriano Gonzales; and husband’s siblings, Octaviano Herrera, Elipio Herrera, and Agnes Jacquez. 

Olympia is survived by her son Isaac Herrera and “Favorite” daughter-in-law, Bianca; two granddaughters, Madeline Baca and Jessica Herrera and two great-granddaughters, Desiree Montgomery and Eva Baca, all whom she lovingly referred to as her “Precious Babydolls”; one sister-in-law, Joan Martinez and numerous nieces, nephews, Godsons, Goddaughters, cousins, and friends.  

Serving as pallbearers are her grandsons (in law) Tomas Baca and Anthony Tuero, along with Raul Avila, Marvin Trujillo, Presciliano Salaz, and Joe Cordova. Honorary pallbearers: Richard Ulibarri, Selustriano Gonzales Jr., and Roman Aragon.  

The family wishes to extend special gratitude to Soledad Rivera Morales, Marie Cordova, and Elaine Martinez for their assistance in Olympia’s care.  

Services will be held on November 14, 2023 with a public viewing at 5:30 p.m. and rosary at 6:00 p.m. at the Devargas Funeral Home in Espanola, NM. Fellowship and food to follow at the New Hope Family Worship Center in Espanola, NM.  

A funeral service will be held on November 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the New Hope Family Worship Center in Espanola, NM. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM.

The family of Olympia Herrera has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. www.devargasfuneral.com 505-747-7477