Maria “Janie” Adela Herrera of Converse, Indiana, passed into the Lord’s arms with her children by her side at Colonial Oaks Healthcare Center in Marion, Indiana, on Friday, June 3, 2022. She was born on December 10, 1937, in Tamaulipas, Mexico, to Fidel Pedro Pérez and Mercedes Martinez.
On September 17, 1964, she married Juan G. Herrera in Peru, Indiana. They were happily married for 42 years before his passing on July 24, 2007.
Janie or Juanita, as most people knew her, was vibrant, independent, and fearless. She was a strong woman of faith and loved those close to her fiercely. These traits, she passed down to her family through the generations. When Janie was around, there was always music, dancing, and a welcoming feeling. She showed her family to enjoy life in the moment and put their trust in God’s hands always…something she did until her last days. She lived a blessed and beautiful life.
Janie was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church. She worked many years at Dana Corporation in Marion, Indiana, until her retirement. Following her retirement, she and her husband, Juan, who preceded her in death, became winter Texans. They returned to the Rio Grande Valley where Janie grew up. They also spent time in Euless, Texas, where their son lived. They traveled extensively to find the next new adventure. They always incorporated visiting family and friends in those trips when they could.
On August 18, 2018, she found companionship again and married Pedro J. Nieto. He passed away on January 11, 2021.
Janie adored her family and is survived by her three children, three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, three brothers, and many others.
Children: Ida (Juan) Nieto, of Converse, Indiana; Juan Herrera, Jr., of Indianapolis, Indiana; and Cynthia (Jeremy) Alley of Bloomington, Indiana. Grandchildren: Lucas (Angela) Nieto of Indianapolis, Indiana; Andres Nieto of Columbus, Indiana; and Isaac (Anna Scott) Nieto of Indianapolis, Indiana. Great-grandchildren: Gianna, Mateo, Simon, and one on the way. Brothers: Jose (Licha) Martinez of Houston, Texas; Pablo Oscar (Minerva) Martinez of Pharr, Texas; and Juan Antonio Martinez of Pharr, Texas. Sisters-in-law: Rosie Martinez of San Juan, Texas; Juanita Lesiker Perez of Houston, Texas; Juliana (Eloy) Garcia of Sweetser, Indiana; Catalina Rodriquez of Sterling City, Texas; Carmen Cabral of Sacramento, California; Inez Serrato of Sacramento, California; and Trinidad Retana of Panuco de Coronado, Mexico. Brothers-in-law: Manuel (Estefana) of Sweetser, Indiana, and Lupe (Maria) of Sweetser, Indiana. Also included are her many adoring nieces and nephews all throughout the country, as well as friends and neighbors who became part of her family. Many a time she could be found hanging out with her best friend and sister-in-law, Estefana Herrera, whom she was extremely close to.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Fidel Pedro Pérez Martínez and Mercedes Martinez; brothers, Domingo Martinez, Ramon Martinez, and Gaspar Martinez; and sister, Matilde Palacios.
The family will receive visitors from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1031 W. Kem Rd., Marion, IN 46952. A Rosary service will be from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
On Friday, June 10, 2022, Mass will begin at 10:00 am, preceded by additional visitation from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. Father Ted Rothrock will be officiating followed by interment at Converse Cemetery. A luncheon at McCarthy Hall will take place after interment.
Janie’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all the healthcare providers who cared for her during her illness, especially those at Colonial Oaks Healthcare and Heart to Heart Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her memory to St. Paul Catholic Preschool, 1009 W. Kem Rd., Marion, IN 46952 or online at Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation (https://www.htohhfoundation.org/donation/).
Arrangements have been entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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