Juliana Herrera Austria

“Julie” was born November 1, 1941, in Indang, Cavite, Philippines to Alberto and Rufina Herrera. She was the middle child between older brother, Vicente Herrera, and younger sister, Flora Legaspi. From a young age she was business-minded and dreamed of a career in business but was encouraged by her mother to pursue a nursing career instead.

Julie was very determined to succeed at the goals she set for herself, education being the highest priority. She was studious and placed a high value on academics. While attending college she was pursued by a young merchant marine named Magno Austria. They would later marry after a long courtship, but not until after she completed her education and started her nursing career. Following her college graduation, she moved to Passaic, New Jersey in 1967 where she completed two years of continued education and clinical experience in medical-surgical nursing under the Exchange-Visitor Program.

Julie met many life-long friends while working as a nurse at Passaic General Hospital and, it wasn’t long before Magno Austria followed her to NJ. After persistently pursuing Julie for seven years, Magno and Julie finally married in New York City in December 1968.

Magno and Julie had one son, Romer, and two daughters, Gina and Julianne, while living in New Jersey. They moved to Houston in 1977 where Julie continued her nursing career.

Julie was an exceptional nurse who was a strong advocate for her patients and was not afraid to question a doctor’s orders if she felt they weren’t in the best interest of her patients. She took nursing very seriously and anyone who had the privilege of being in her care was blessed. After 34 years of devoted service to her profession, Julie retired in 2001.

Julie was then able to focus ALL her attention on her two favorite pleasures—grandparenting and gardening! Anyone who knew Julie knew her heart was happiest among her many, many, many plants.

Julie loved spending time with and caring for her plants and had the epitome of a green thumb. But her greatest pride and joy was her grandchildren! She was a very attentive grandmother, always encouraging handwashing and “eating your fruits and vegetables”. She loved to have the grandchildren around, encouraging them in their academics and dreaming of their future college graduations, weddings, and great-grandchildren. They will truly miss her presence in their lives. Each are better human beings because of the selfless love she showered upon them.

Magno Austria was the love of her life and they celebrated nearly 50 years of marriage before his passing in August 2018. Together, they raised a beautiful, loving family who fondly remembers the many vacations they took driving in their father’s white Suburban to Canada, California and Florida and the countless hours fishing off the piers at Sea Wolfe Park in Galveston, TX.

Juliana Austria will be lovingly remembered by her son, Romer Austria (Mauri) of Katy, TX; daughters, Gina Stanley of San Antonio, TX, and Julianne Betters (Jeff) of Katy, TX; grandchildren, Noah and Amy Austria, Luke Austria and SarahBeth Meraz, Silas Austria, Sarah and Kelly Stanley, Jonny and Kate Dickey, Tony and Danielle Betters, Loic and Leyton Betters; and by her sister, Flora Legaspi and her extended Filipino family members.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.katyfh.com for the Austria family.