Nadine Elizabeth Herrera, 36, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at her parents' residence. She was born July 7, 1989 in Silver City, NM to Leonard Herrera and Rachel Sandoval.
Nadine was 4 years old when she knocked the dirt off her cleats and stepped up to the plate. Baseball on the T, ready for her swing. As she looked around the field one thing was for certain, this was her passion. Quickly after T-Ball she would join the football team. Becoming the first ever female in Pop Werner history to play a game at the age of 7. Even earning the nickname "Ice Box". All of this would precede her true love, softball. Throughout high school she was the definition of a leader. Training hard almost every day and always lifting up her teammates before giving herself any credit. This caught the attention of Coach Gwen, who promoted her to varsity when she was a freshman. Her next softball coach, Mr. Muñoz even told a relative how much he admired her passion for the game. All the while being and outstanding student and a person that could always make you laugh.
After high school, she had her eyes set on two things: Kinesiology and the Crimson Tide. Never missing a game, she was able to attain a Bachelor's degree in 2012. Ready to start her Masters; but as the saying goes, God had other plans. Tragedy had struck the young girl and from then on, her eyes were set on one thing, recovery. Up to this point her challenges were on the field and in the books; but it would now be in her faith. The questions swirled; Why me? Why now? But one statement had prevailed, God doesn't make mistakes. So, unlike most of us she thrived once again. What people thought as impossible she believed as doable. Accepting the same challenge that she faced while playing football against boys twice her size. Rather than crumbling under the pressure, she rose above. Surviving longer than anyone thought possible. A big inspiration being her nephew, Kyson; who was her special angel during this time. Courageously, she fought the battle with so much faith and love in her heart for her beloved family and friends. An everlasting impact to us all.
In such a treacherous time it would be understandable for her faith to waver; but not Nadine Herrera. Because through tragedy her faith only grew. Imagine that for a second. Imagine your whole life getting flipped on its head. Now you can barely walk, now you don't know what days your last. What would you have done? How do you look to God and not meet his gaze with Vitriol? To Nadine the answer was simple, God doesn't make mistakes. I believe everyone can take inspiration from her life, her drive. A small-town girl that never gave up, never lost faith, and lived a full life in it truest sense. Even though her life was cut short she became a shining example to all of us.
You don't need time to have an impact.
She is survived by her mother, Rachel of the family home; her brother Matthew Herrera and wife Raclyn of Silver City; two nephews, Kyson and Asher Herrera; her aunts and uncles, Ruben Sandoval (Flavia); Danny Sandoval (Lupe); Alice Treadway (John); and Albert Sandoval (Melissa); Ricky Herrera, Johnny Herrera, Michael Herrera, and Debbie Dominguez; numerous cousins; and very special Ninos, Erminio and Virginia Sandoval. She was preceded in death by her father, Leonard Herrera; her paternal grandparents, Leonard Herrera Sr. and Enedina Herrera; her maternal grandparents, Cipriano and Cecilia Sandoval; one cousin Andre Sandoval; Nancy Morgan.
The holy rosary being recited by Lupe Flores will take place Saturday, February 21st at 10am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels. The memorial mass will follow at 11:30am at Our Lady of Fatima Church with Father Martin Okonkwo officiating. Concluding service inurnment will take place at Memory Lane cemetery where she will be laid to rest.
Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
