Rafaela Brambila Machado Herrera

Rafaela Brambila Herrera was born on October 24, 1930 in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico where she lived and worked until God beckoned her to serve in the religious order of The Daughters of the Holy Spirit, founded by the Venerable, Felix De Jesus Rougier. Having earned a degree in accounting, Rafaela taught mathematics and English to the daughters and sons of famous cinematic figures of the 1940s and 1950s at the prestigious Catholic institute, Felix de Jesus Rougier in Mexico City, and simultaneously served as the institute’s accountant.

In the mid 1950s, after leaving the religious order, Rafaela returned to Mexicali where she formed part of the accounting team of a multi-national manufacturing company, and where she worked until destiny changed her path.

In 1960, Rafaela married Francisco Andres Herrera whom she had met as a child of 10. Unbeknownst to the young Rafaela at the time, Francisco would become her husband of 60 years, the father of their five children, and grandfather to seven grandchildren. Following their marriage, Rafaela and Francisco settled in Calexico, California, where they lived until the late 1980s, when Francisco retired and they relocated to Chula Vista, California.

Rafaela transitioned from the corporate world to the maternal one, and simultaneously devoted her time, treasure and talent to benefit her children’s schools through fundraising efforts for scholarships and facilities expansion. A fervent believer in Catholic education, Rafaela led the effort to convert the Catholic all-girls’ high school into a co-educational institution, which her sons could attend. As a young mother, Rafaela’s tutelage also encompassed charitable and compassionate acts, including monthly trips to orphanages with her children.

Rafaela’s interests extended beyond the charitable. A devoted admirer of the arts, Rafaela educated her children in these disciplines, requiring each of her children to study at least one instrument and committing countless hours ensuring dedication to this craft from each of them.

Rafaela’s latter years were spent tending and nurturing her garden and enjoying her grandchildren. Her love for the Mexicali Valley was second only to her love for her family, including her large and extended one, which incorporates her brother and sister, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Rafaela leaves a legacy of professionalism, strong work ethic, an incomparable maternal love for her children and grandchildren, a lifetime of charitable service and an adoration for God.