In Memory of Catherine "Cathy" DeHerrera-Taylor

A beautiful woman with a generous and loving heart graduated to her heavenly home on September 16, 2025. Catherine "Cathy" DeHerrera-Taylor was born on November 8,1957, to Valdemar and Consuelo DeHerrera in Taos, NM. Cathy grew up in Costilla, NM with her 5 siblings on a beautiful ranch where she learned the value of hard work and family.

After graduating from Questa High school in 1976, she left to California where she would attend school and receive her dental assistant certification. She loved working in this particular field but did return to school to pursue her Nursing Assistant Certification which opened up a passion for caring for others. Cathy would work as a hospice caregiver for 14 years until her retirement in 2020. Even though she retired, she would still be doing what she was purposed for but now it would be to help care for her elderly father.

Cathy's motivation for life, her true pride and joy, her greatest ministry and heart's purpose was for her daughter Maria. Cathy would move mountains and sacrificed much for Maria to have the very best of everything. This is why Cathy and Maria moved to Alamogordo in the early 90's. It was an open door and opportunity for Maria to have the best education available. Little did Cathy know that not only would Maria thrive in her new environments, but Cathy would also receive one of her greatest blessings.

Cathy met the love of her life, Terry Taylor, in 2004 at the local county fair. From that day on they were inseparable, they dated, fell in deep love and ultimately married on May 16, 2009. Terry not only loved Cathy unconditionally, he reignited her faith, restored her trust, and created a contagious joy in her that left her with a permanent smile.

Cathy is proceeded in death by her infant daughter, Andrea; her parents, Valdemar and Consuelo; brother-in-law, Curtis Clements.
She is survived by her loving husband, Terry; beautiful daughter, Maria; stepchildren, Jonathan (Stephanie) Taylor, Marvin (Shanna) Taylor, Kelly (John) Carpenter; grandchildren, Trevin, Xavier, John Michael, Kandace, Samantha, Lexie, Ellie, Lilly, Terrie, and Nicholas; her siblings, Lydia (Richard) Peterson, Juanita Clements, Valarie (Don) Rael, Valdemar DeHerrera Jr., Nancy (Stephen) Crochet; half-sister, Bonnie Santistevan; adopted sister, Linda Romero; many nieces, nephews, family, and loved ones.

Cathy will always be remembered for her golden heart of compassion and generosity, and her beautiful and loving spirit.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, September 26, 2025, at Mountain View Church with a fellowship meal to follow. Another Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Living Word Ministries in Questa, NM. Burial will follow at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Costilla, NM with a fellowship meal to follow at the Parish Center.