She met the love of her life, Carlos, when she was 15. They were married July 21, 1962 and she spent the next 60 years by his side. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.
Tommie had four sons, Manuel Herrera (Eileen) of Rio Rancho; Carlos Herrera Jr., (Monique) of Las Cruces; Robert Herrera of Colorado Springs; James Herrera (Kaia) of Prescott, AZ; eighteen grandchildren and countless great-grandchildren, as well as numerous children that she babysat for over the years that she considered her own. She would always say, she raised over half the kids in the neighborhood.
Tommie was a devout Catholic and devoted homemaker. She always had food and fresh tortillas ready to feed anyone who walked through her door. She was best known for her sewing, cross-stitching and home-made quilts, which over the years she made one for each of her grandchildren. Tommie cared deeply for her family, friends and neighbors, she never forgot a birthday, anniversary or special day and always made sure send a card or gift.
She is survived by four brothers, Julian Estrada (Betty) of Gallup; Robert Estrada (Robin) of Gallup; Anthony Estrada of Gamerco; Jimmy Estrada (Katherine of Gamerco, NM; four sisters, Lupe Ramirez of Gallup; Susie Dominguez (Roberto) of Albuquerque; Esther Candelaria of Gallup; Antoinette Estrada of Gamerco, NM; her grandchildren and great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; special family and caregivers, Brooklyn and Matthew Adam, Cynthia Bridgeman, Leon, Kim and Bailey Klement, Sybil Paradiso, and Allen Rodriguez. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Manuel Estrada Jr., Richard Estrada, Howard Estrada, Joe Estrada, Johnny Estrada; three sisters, Jennie Maldonado, Josie Holguin, Mary LeBlane, and Julie Estrada.
Visitation will be Friday, August 12th from 5:30-6pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the holy rosary being recited by Deacon Art Gutierrez to commence at 6pm. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 13th at 9am at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with Father Oliver Obele officiating. Concluding service and interment will follow at St. Vincent Cemetery.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.