Angelita Herrera Brocksmith-Lucas

Angelita is survived by her devoted husband, Robert Lucas; her five beloved children: Florinda (Walter) Ruth, Monica Katsanes, Sarah (Jonathan) Liming, Michael Long, and Andrea (David) Montalvo; and her thirteen cherished grandchildren: Julissa, Arianna, Carly, Angela, Christopher, Zoe, Aiden, Jayden, Lenny, Tristan, Kingston, Delilah, and Quinn. She was preceded in death by her father, Deciderio; her mother, Eufemia; her sister, Mary; and brother Juanito.

Angelita was born in San Antonio, Texas. She spent her teenage and young adult years in Northern California, where she grew up alongside her loving sisters Estella, Mary, Katherine, Lupe, Herlinda, and her brother Ruben, Deciderio Jr. who affectionately called her “Angie.” It was in those years that she adopted a core belief that guided her entire life: family is everything.

From a young age, Angelita knew she wanted a family of her own. As a young single mother, she gave all she had to her children—her love, her time, her energy—and grew into the heart and soul of her family. In 1992, she moved to Chandler, AZ with her second husband, Michael Long. In 1993, Angelita began a career she loved as a school bus driver. She took great pride in her work, knowing she was responsible for the safety of many lives each day. No matter how hard, noisy, or hot the day was, she returned home to cook, clean, and care for her family with unwavering devotion.

Angelita was a mother, a provider, and above all, an example. She instilled the qualities of dedication, love, and tenacity in her children by exhibiting them every day.

Her greatest joy in life, however, was her grandchildren, who lovingly called her Mena. The name Mena became a term of endearment used by the entire family—including her sons-in-law. Her generosity knew no bounds; Mena would give anything she had if it brought someone happiness. That selflessness, that deep and abiding love, was the wealth she shared—one that can’t be measured but will live on through generations.

Even in her final moments, Mena brought her family together. Despite life’s ups and downs, she united those she loved so dearly to share in the beauty of her final chapter. She left this world better than she found it—and to know Mena was truly to love her.