Zinaida “Sadie” Florina Herrera, née Trujillo, entered eternal rest on March 25, 2026, aged 92 years. Sadie lived a fruitful life in devotion to her family, friends and

Faith. Sadie was born on October 5, 1933, in Roy NM. She was the first child to parents Epimenio and Desideria Trujillo, née Martinez, a family that would grow to include brothers: Alberto “Pimé”, and Raymond and one sister, Helen. Always loving and conscientious, Sadie cared for her younger siblings and cousins throughout their childhood. Always curious and intelligent, Sadie excelled academically ultimately graduating Valedictorian of her high school class and pursuing her studies at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces NM. Always ambitious and a true trailblazer, Sadie obtained noted successes in both her career and parenthood.

After a 6-year courtship, Sadie married Chon Herrera Jr in August 1955 in Denver CO and, after a short stint in Dalhart TX, relocated permanently to Denver in 1958 with two young children in tow: Irene and Gilbert. She and Chon Jr. would soon welcome four additional children: Loretta, Gerald, Teresa, and Chon III. The family thrived in their Northwest Denver neighborhood remaining active in the community and their Parish: St. Cajetan Church. As a devoted parishioner, Sadie enjoyed volunteering for The Parish Council, The Liturgy Committee, and The Bazaar Committee. With a zest for travel she particularly enjoyed her frequent Parish Pilgrimages to the Holy Land that she would help organize to include Africa, Asia, and Europe. She also spent 1 month in Monteria Colombia doing missionary work.

She once had an audience with Pope John Paul II in Vatican City, and she met Mother Teresa at World Youth Day. Sadie always recalled fondly the family and friends that joined her in these memorable travels.

Sadie determinedly advanced her career in higher education at CU Denver, ultimately retiring as Registrar after 25 years. Thereafter, she continued her career until age 75 with the Archdiocese of Denver and then Regis University. Sadie’s spiritual and educational guidance have impacted countless. However, Sadie’s greatest joy in life was being a Matriarch to her family.

Sadie is preceded in death by her husband, Chon Herrera, Jr.; her son, Gerald Herrera; her granddaughter, Monique Herrera; and her son-in-law, Gary Ulibarri. Also preceded in death by her parents, Epimenio and Desideria Trujillo; her brother, Alberto Trujillo; her sister, Helen (John) Browning. She is survived by her brother, Raymond (Mary) Trujillo; her daughter, Irene (David) Rael: her son, Gilbert (Yvonne) Herrera; her daughter, Loretta (Eddie) Pacheco; her daughter, Teresa Ulibarri; her son, Chon III (Steven) Herrera-Medina. Also survived by 16 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Sadie will also be cherished and sorely missed by her God children and her numerous nephews, nieces and the entire extended family.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in the care of Sadie these past several years especially to the skilled medical care providers at Stonebridge Senior Community and Memory Care in Arvada CO.

Funeral service to be held on April 18, 2026; Rosary @ 9:30am, Mass of the Christian Burial @ 10:00am at St. John Francis Regis Chapel @ Regis University, 3333 Regis Blvd, Denver CO 80211.

A private burial will be held at Ft. Logan National Cemetery.

Please no flowers at the bequest of the deceased. In lieu of flowers please make a

donation to Alzheimer’s Association @ alz.org