Aurora Jimenez Herrera

Aurora Jimenez Herrera, 90, beloved wife, mother, nana, aunt, friend, and most importantly, a real-life angel on Earth was reunited with our Lord on February 21, 2023 in Chandler, AZ, surrounded by her family.

Born and raised in Miami, AZ, she was the daughter of Maria and Francisco Jimenez, both born in Guadalajara, Mexico. Aurora married her one and only true love, Ernesto Gradillas Herrera (1931-1998), on January 15, 1955.

Aurora will be remembered as a kind, generous soul, who would have done anything for anyone. Upon entering her home, her genuine, unconditional love was consumed immediately. When it was time to say goodbye, all left with full bellies, left overs in one hand, and crochet beanies, booties, and blankets in the other. It was also a must that she blessed you and your entire family before departing.

Aurora was compelled to expand her love of crochet when her great-granddaughter, Alyson Joy, was diagnosed with Leukemia in July 2010.  From that moment forward, Aurora made it her mission to make sure that all of the kids at Phoenix Children's Hospital were kept warm by her handmade apparel. Aurora was recognized on many occasions by Phoenix Children’s Hospital for her selfless, generous donations that were delivered faithfully each year. Aurora was also recognized by the well-known yarn company, Red Heart, for her humanitarian work. She also received local recognition for her unwavering generosity, dedication, and devotion. She was a lover of animals, always making sure her hummingbird feeders had the perfect water/sugar ratio, and the cardinals had plenty of bird seeds. She also poured her big heart into nurturing the flowers and green shrubbery that enveloped the home her and her husband molded together.

Bolie, as many people called her, loved and adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She kept a tight calendar, detailing everyone's birthday, so it came to no surprise when she would be the first to call to wish a 'happy birthday' and confirm that you have received her card in the mail. Her kind and graceful energy was felt by everyone she crossed paths with. There is not enough room to even begin to describe the love she exuded. Aurora is the definition of love.

Above all, Aurora was a woman of great faith.  A devoted Catholic, who loved God and never missed a Mass. Even when Aurora was no longer able to attend Mass in person, she was still dedicated to watching Mass and listening to the Catholic channel 24/7 from her vintage television that sat beside her shrine, dedicated to God and all the saints.

Aurora is survived by her brother, Alfred (Polly) Jimenez, daughters, Aurora (David) Ramirez, Linda (Joe) Soto, grandchildren, Jenica (Stephen) Maas, Ernie Herrera, Jacqueline Herrera, Joseph (Monica) Herrera, Erika Ramirez, George (Angie) Herrera, Jonathan Herrera, Jacob Ramirez, Zachary Ramirez, and Benjamin Soto. Step grandchildren, Jordan, Morgann (Max) and Ryan. Great Grandchildren, Micaela, Gabriella, Delilah, Bella, Thomas, Alyson, Kori, Breea, Chloe, Daisy, Eva, Francesca, Joshua, Maleah, Bailey, Jayla, Murphy and Marlowe.

Aurora is predeceased by her husband, Ernesto, and sons, Ernie and George (Susan) Herrera.

A Rosary will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 10:30 am at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Miami, Arizona.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Miami, Arizona.