Herlinda ” Lena” Herrera

Herlinda “Lena” Herrera was born on September 14, 1923, to Pablo Zepeda Lopez and Concepcion Alvarado. In the late 1920s, the family moved from Texas to Northern California and settled in Sacramento. Lena, lovingly known as “Nana,” passed away peacefully in Sacramento on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the age of 102.

Lena was the second of ten children raised near downtown Sacramento. From an early age, she demonstrated a strong work ethic that carried her throughout her life. Whether working on Northern California farms, at the California State Capitol, or with private investors and business owners, Lena gave her absolute best to both her work and to those she loved. She was happiest when her home was filled with extended family gathered around a delicious meal. Her final whispered words were, “Tell family and friends | love them, and I will see them on the other side.”

Lena was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years, Frank Herrera, a Navy veteran, and by her siblings Esther, Caroline, Peter, John, Jose, Emily, and Clotilda. She is survived by her brother, Tony; her sister, Rose; her children, Victoria, Frank Jr., and Michael; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be on Friday, May 22, 2026, at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 6509 Fruitridge Road, Sacramento, California. Viewing will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by Mass and burial.

The Herrera family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Suncrest Hospice and Trajan Villa Home Care, especially Odette, Florica, and Eugene, for the exceptional care and compassion they showed Herlinda Herrera. May she rest in peace.