Norma “Kay” Herrera, 82, passed away from natural causes in Mesa on Dec. 8, 2024. Born Dec. 5, 1942, in Florence, she grew up in the picturesque mining community of Superior, where she was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Violet; great nieces, Evie and Amelia; and her husband of nearly 40 years, Carter.
She is survived by her brother, Dr. John R. Valdin (Juliana) of Danville, CA; children, Dr. Michael J. Fassett (Agustin Flores) of Los Angeles and Tucson, and Susan Kay Fassett and Tony Herrera (Sheryl), both of Mesa; five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and a large, loving family of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Kay was valedictorian of her graduating class at Superior High School and went on to graduate from the University of Arizona with a degree in microbiology. She worked at Tucson Medical Center before choosing to stay home and build her family. She retired from Farmington Municipal Schools after teaching for 30-plus years.
Kay was married to Bruce Fassett and they shared two children, Susan and Michael. With Kay’s second marriage to Carter Herrera, she moved to Farmington, NM and gained a son, Tony. Kay and Carter returned to their native Arizona to be with family. She joined First Presbyterian Church of Mesa and loved singing in the choir. Her faith and family made her feel blessed.
Kay sang in the choir and served as an ordained elder. She had an appreciation for cultures, history, language, and music, and teaching. She engaged her fifth-grade students by providing unique, interactive lessons and experiences.
Kay was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother, teacher and friend.
The memorial service will be 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, located at 161 N. Mesa Dr., in Mesa, with interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery, located at 7900 E. Main St. in Mesa.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her honor to a charity that supports animals, children, culture, education, music, veterans, or the hungry.