Norma Kay Valdin Herrera, 82, of Mesa, AZ passed away December 8, 2024. Kay was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother, teacher and friend.
Born December 5, 1942 in Florence, AZ she grew up in the picturesque mining community of Superior, where she was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church and valedictorian of her graduating class at Superior High School. Kay graduated from the University of Arizona, with a degree in microbiology and worked at Tucson Medical Center before choosing to stay home and build her family. Kay was married to Bruce Fassett and they shared two children, Susan and Michael. With Kay’s second marriage to Carter Herrera, she moved to Farmington, NM and gained a son, Tony.
Kay was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church of Farmington, NM, sang in the choir and served as an ordained elder. Kay had an appreciation for cultures, history, language, and music, and teaching. She engaged her fifth grade students by providing unique, interactive lessons and experiences. She retired from Farmington Municipal Schools after teaching for 30+ years. Kay and Carter returned to their native Arizona to be with family. She joined First Presbyterian Church of Mesa and loved singing in the choir. Her faith and family made her feel blessed.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Violet, great nieces Evie and Amelia, and her husband of nearly 40 years, Carter.
She is survived by her brother, Dr. John R. Valdin (Juliana), Danville, CA; children, Dr. Michael J. Fassett (Agustin Flores), Los Angeles & Tucson, Susan Kay Fassett, Mesa, and Tony Herrera (Sheryl), Mesa; five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and a large, loving family of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The memorial service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 4, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church, 161 N Mesa Dr, Mesa, AZ, with interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery, 7900 E Main St, Mesa, AZ.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her honor to a charity that supports: animals, children, culture, education, music, veterans, or the hungry.
Arrangements are cared for by Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery located at 7900 Ee. Main Street, Mesa, Ariz. 85207; 480-485-4380.
