Obituary of Refujio Enriquez Herrera

It is with great sadness that family and friends share the passing of Refujio "Cuca" Herrera. She passed away at her home on Saturday, January 7, 2017, after spending a week in the hospital but insisting she was going to get better. She was the eternal optimist. Cuca never gave up or lost hope, and never allowed her faith to waiver. She was born the daughter of Fulgencio and Celerina Enriquez in Yuba City on January 28, 1938, and was the oldest of five children, with three brothers and one sister. She graduated from Biggs High School in the class of 1956, and then attended Chico State for two years before marrying her loving husband Aurelio. She and Aurelio were married for 47 years before his passing in 2006. She is survived by her three children: Miguel "Mike" Herrera (Leticia) of Gridley, Veronica "Nicki" Herrera Taylor (Mark) of Loma Rica and Gabriel "Gabe" Herrera (Pam) of Sacramento; seven grandchildren: Veronica Kent (Kevin), Tavo Llerenas and Toya, Zulu, Mikey, Austin and Julia Herrera; two great grandchildren Nickolas and Daniel Kent. She is also survived by three stepchildren, Leoncia Marquez, Joselino Herrera and Marcelina, Gamboa; eight grandchildren, Yaliz and David Marquez, Karina, Yamilet, Yedid and Joselino Jr., Herrera, and Melissa and Belzabeth Gamboa and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers David, Cornelio and Miguel Enriquez and her sister Margarita Fabela. In addition, Cuca is survived by numerous nephews, nieces, Godchildren and close friends who lived with her and Aurelio as family over the years, leaving behind a long legacy of cherished loved ones. She worked for the State of California Employment Development Office where she retired. She and Aureli were founding members of Concilio Mexicano, and very active in the local Hispanic community. "Dona Cuca" as she was known to many, was a lifelong member of the Sacred Heart Parish of the Catholic Church in Gridley and active in several charitable pursuits, including the Sacred Heart food closet. She worked tirelessly helping others and in addition to other pursuits, served as a translator for the Gridley Police Department, Gridley Hospital, the courts, local schools, businesses and members of the local community. She was a Notary Public and a bonded immigration consultant who helped thousands of people apply for and achieve the dream of U.S. residency and citizenship. Over the years she acquired numerous Godchildren whom she watched over and cared for deeply. Cuca enjoyed traveling with her family and was fortunate to visit Vatican with her children. She enjoyed annual camp trips to Fort Bragg and loved hosting gatherings at her home for extended family and friends. In recent years, she enjoyed rekindling lost friendships with classmates from Biggs High School. A Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, January 12, 2017 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., at Gridley Block Funeral Chapel. A Rosary is scheduled for Thursday, January 12, 2017 at 7:30 p.m., at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1560 Hazel Street, Gridley. A Memorial Service and Mass is scheduled for Friday, January 13, 2017 at 11 a.m., at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. A Graveside Service will follow at the Gridley-Biggs Cemetery, 2023 Highway 99, Gridley. Cuca's family requests that in lieu of flowers, people wishing to honor her life and memory can make donations to SVDP/Sacred Heart Food Closet, PO Box 668, Gridley, CA 95948. Arrangements are under the direction of Gridley-Block Funeral Chapel.