Jovita G Heredia

“And He will raise you upon eagles wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of his hand.” --Michael Joncas

Jovi was the eldest of eight siblings born to Mariano and Jovita Gutierrez. She was raised in a Catholic household, enriched with family values, faith, and love. Church, community, and family life were tightly woven. She attended Guardian Angel school in her youth and was a member of the Teresitas at Calvario Church. Her faith grew through candlelight Rosarios, Ofreciendo Flores a Maria, and promenading Posadas. At Calvario, she met a dashing young man who she would spend the rest of her life with. But in order to date him, she was required to include all her siblings along as chaperones. It was a family affair from the beginning! To everyone’s delight, she married Gilbert Heredia in 1955, and they were blessed with four daughters, and later four grandchildren.

Jovita’s career started at Dr. Wehrheim’s office, then proceeded to the State National Bank, where she made many friends. She became a proud member of the American Business Women’s Association. After retiring, she taught confirmation classes and substituted at schools. She was inspired to return to college and earned an Associates Accounting Degree.

Jovita’s skills and talents were not limited to business and scholastic. She was an avid reader. Her book collection resembled a library with theology, philosophy, mystery, and craft sections. Her artistic skills included embroidery, needlepoint, ceramics, sewing and cake decorating. She even baked the wedding cakes for her daughters and sewed their wedding apparel.

Above all these talents, Jovita’s most endearing quality, was her gentle, life-giving soul. She walked through life with each daughter and grandchild. She was a sanctuary during turbulent times. She sorted through the worries, soothed fears, wiped away tears, and provided the love, encouragement, and strength to move forward. She was a role model for her family, living the Lord’s unconditional love and studying God’s word.

“ Mom you meant the world to us. We love you and miss you… It’s hard to forget someone who gave so much love and joy... You will live forever in our hearts, until we meet again. ”

Jesus said to her, “I am the Resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live even though he dies.” -- John 11: 25

The family sends their thanks to Three Oaks Hospice for their caregiving assistance.

Jovita is survived by children Margie, Patsy (Michael), Lupita (Leo), Rosie (Fred), and grandchildren Steven, Dan, Yoli, and Alejandro. She is survived by siblings, Teresa, Tomas, Ignacio, Poli, Anita and Linda. She is preceded in death by husband Gilbert, parents Mariano and Jovita, brother Jose, and son-in-law, Jesse.