Elena “Nini” Herrera passed away peacefully at her home in Falfurrias, Texas, on September 20, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. She was blessed with 99 beautiful years of life, during which she created countless cherished memories with those she loved most.
Born on March 7, 1926, in Falfurrias, Elena was the beloved daughter of Rafael L. Herrera and Sinforiana Guerra Herrera. She lived a life marked by warmth, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family, friends, and community.
Elena graduated as the Salutatorian of the Falfurrias High School Class of 1947 and went on to attend Texas A&I University in Kingsville, Texas. She always valued education and loved encouraging others to pursue their dreams.
She dedicated many years of service to Brooks County ISD and their students, serving as a librarian at Falfurrias Elementary School until her retirement. Her love for books and learning left a lasting impact on countless children over the years.
Elena is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Romualdo Herrera; sister, Maria Luisa Herrera; brother-in-law, Robert Mulanax; and sister-in-law, Petra Herrera.
She is survived by her loving sister, Anita “Anna” Mulanax of Falfurrias; nieces, Janet (Scott) Adkins of Mesa, Arizona, and Annette (Greg) Nichols of Katy, Texas; nephews, Oscar Herrera of Falfurrias, Rafael (Margaret) Herrera of El Granada, California, and Roberto (Kim) Herrera of Boerne, Texas; numerous grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and extended family.
Elena’s legacy of love, generosity, and quiet strength will be remembered always by those whose lives she touched.
Rosary will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025 at the Funeraria Del Angel Howard Williams in Falfurrias with Visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Falfurrias and services will conclude with Burial at the Sacred Heart Cemetery.
