Service Details
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2019
VISITATION: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
MEMORIAL SERVICE: 11:00 a.m.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (716 COLLEGE AVE.)
Memorial Suggestions
Memorials to the Racine Humane Society and Park High School have been suggested.
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Miller's Flowers
Anita Castaneda Herrera, age 84, passed away in hospice care, peacefully at her home in Racine, WI on July 27, 2019.
Anita is survived by her five children, Michael (Sandy) Herrera, their children, Joseph (Anna) Schumacher, Sara (Casey) Lampereur, Brittany (Vince) Lang, Maxwell and Madeline Herrera, Racine, WI; Georgia (Jeff Leavell) Herrera, their sons, Jennings and Theodore, Racine, WI; Karen (Russell Betts) Herrera, their daughter Evelyn, Madison, WI; Patrick (Terri Gilboy) Herrera, Racine, WI; June (Shaun) Doyne, sons Justin and Thomas Benko, and their twin daughters Kylie and Keira Doyne of Muskego, WI.
Anita is further survived by her siblings, Josephine (Ricardo) De Los Santos of St. George, UT, Claudio (Pat) Castaneda of Jordan, MI, Matilda Razo of San Antonio, TX, and by her great-grandchildren, Rose, Dalton, Eliza, Jameson, Lucas and Leo.
Anita was preceded in death by her parents, Sara and Gregorio Castaneda, former husband, George Herrera, siblings; Roger Seguro, Janie Ruiz, Dominga Castenada Martin Castaneda and Eduarda Romero and nephews; David, Edward and Angel Romero.
Anita was born in San Antonio, Texas in 1935 to a migrant family. She was the 6th of 9 children. When Anita was 13 years old, her family moved to Kenosha, WI, eventually settling in Racine, WI.
Anita was the first member of her family to attend high school and also the first to enroll in and graduate from college. Anita graduated from Washington Park High School in 1954, received a BA from The College of Racine in 1973, an MS in Educational Administration from UW-Milwaukee in 1975 and earned a fellowship in Educational Policy, from George Washington University in 1976.
Anita had a long and wonderful career in education and community work. She began her professional career at Racine Unified School District. From there, she was an instructor at Michigan State University, and worked for Michigan State Department of Public Instruction as an Education Specialist for the Office of Superintendent, 1975-76. Anita then moved to Sheboygan Public Schools as a Coordinator and Teacher, 1976-77. She returned to Racine as the Executive Director for Spanish Centers of Racine, Kenosha and Walworth Counties, 1977-80.
In 1980 Anita was appointed by Governor Dreyfus, as the Advisor for Ethnic Minority Initiatives. In 1982, she returned to Racine to work at Wisconsin Natural Gas Company in the Weatherization Program, identifying communities in need. In 1986, Anita became Director of Development and Training at Wisconsin Education Council in Madison, until she retired in 1996.
Anita was a pioneer with a passion for education and a thirst for knowledge. Throughout her life she stayed humble and true to her roots, while emphasizing the importance of education. She received numerous awards, including the Latina Woman of Achievement Award in 2005 and was inducted into the Washington Park High School Hall of Fame.
Visitation will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 716 College Avenue, Racine WI. Friday, August 2, 2019, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 AM. with Rev. Josephine De Los Santos officiating. Memorials to the Racine Humane Society and Park High School have been suggested.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Anita’s main caregiver, Warren and the Ascension Hospice staff for their loving and compassionate care.
Dave and Nicole Higgs says
Dear Georgia, Jeff and the Herrera Family,
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family at the passing of your mother. Anita was such an important and impactful person to your family, the local community, and region/state. She was a pioneer and champion of education and people, in so many ways. We mourn with you at your loss as well as celebrate her life.
Sincere condolences,
Higgs Family
Debby Ushet says
Karen, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. With sympathy,
Pauline. And George Anthony says
So sorry for your loss of a sister. Take care.
Rick and Tammy Shepard says
Georgia and Jeff and Herrera Family: Rick and I are so sorry for your loss. Anita was a lovely and accomplished woman. We are sad to hear of her passing. Tammy Shepard
Rose K. Onama says
Anita I will never forget all the wonderful times we had in Madison. You are a very special Lady. Rest In Eternal Peace my sister.
Rose K. Onama
Maren and John Grow says
Dear Michael, Sandy and family,
Our condolences to your family at the loss of your mother, Anita. May you find comfort in fond memories.
Kindest regards,
Maren and John
Delia & Esteban says
Karen,
Our condolences to you and your family.
Theresa (Benish) Sims says
Herrera Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I have such great memories of your mom and all of you from Harrison Street. My deepest condolences.
Jessica Cranley says
June and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you and comfort knowing she is at peace.
Gerard Makovec says
Dear Castaneda/Herrera family: Anita was a great, wonderful lady. I personally owe her a lot for the encouragement and opportunity for professional development that she gave me during our years of working at the Spanish Centers. She was one of the best bosses I ever had.
Kevin HADLEY says
My condolences to the family may God grant you peace during your grieving process
Ginny and Dave Holle says
Dear Georgia, Jeff , Jennings and Theo,
May God bring you peace and comfort in this difficult time as you deal with the loss of Anita. Our prayers are with you all.
Dave and Ginny Holle says
Gesorgia and family,
Our sympathies and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Teresa Bell-McMorris says
My condolences to the Herrera family, I am praying for you all.
Dean Stanton says
Georgia and Jeff,
My deepest condolences to your entire family on the loss of your mom.
Chris and Lisa Hillyer says
Deepest Sympathies to everyone in the Herrera family on the passing of our Aunt Anita.
There are so many great memories through the many years. All our love to you.
Cora Cordova says
My deepest condolences to the Family of Anita Herrera.
Sincerely Cora R. Cordova and Daughters
Anonymous says
Sending strenght to the Family. May God give you strength and confront.
Love always,
The Farris
Linda Peet says
I was fortunate enough to meet Mrs. Herrera and I saw a woman with intelligence, grace, style, and beauty. She passed these attributes along to her family especially her daughter Georgia who shares all of those attributes and shares them with her family, co-workers, and the community. I am sincerely sorry for the loss but grateful I had the chance to meet her.🌹🌹🌹From, Linda Peet 🌹🌹🌹🌹