María del Carmen Zertuche was born on July 14, 1922, in Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico, the first-born daughter of María Aguirre and Leopoldo Zertuche, Monclova natives.  Carmen had one older brother, Anthony Honorio'Nollo' Zertuche, and one younger sister, Josefina 'Kina' {Zertuche} Aguirre.  Carmen had two additional brothers who died as very young children - Lázaro and Leopoldo 'Polito.'

As a teenager, Carmen traveled with her family to Michigan to pick cherries in their family's Model A.  On these open roads, Carmen began her love of being behind the wheel as she learned to drive a stick-shift on such lengthy road trips.  It was during one of these trips to these northern working fields that the Zertuche family met la familia Herrera, also from San Antonio, for the first time.  The Herrera's, who were more experienced in migrant work, assisted the Zertuche's with the in's and out's of the trade.

Her work ethic, forged of steel, led her to pursue (among the few opportunities available) a variety of jobs including:  as a pecan sheller for 25 cents an hour (pulling out corazónes), bottle cap flattener at the Pearl Brewery (recycled for the War effort) and as cake decorator at San Antonio's Martin Bakery (who later gifted her with her wedding cake).  It was also during this time that she and her siblings had the   foresight to pursue home ownership for the family and a dream of owning their own house was realized at 245 Pendleton Avenue.

In 1944, Carmen and José Zúniga Herrera were reunited while he was on furlough from the United States Army.  Following his honorable discharge from the military in 1945, José's parents visited Mr. and Mrs. Zertuche's home for the express purpose of asking for Carmela's (as her sister lovingly called her) hand in marriage.  Carmela's reply would be a resounding yes!  On July 7, 1946, Mr. and Mrs. José and Carmen Herrera celebrated the sacrament of Holy Matrimony at San Juan de los Lagos Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas.  They faithfully and fruitfully lived out their vocation of marriage for 57 years until José's passing to eternal life on January 13, 2004.  Throughout Carmen's life, she worked tirelessly and made lifelong sacrifices which allowed for the finest education for her children.

Carmen's avocations included quilting, doll collecting, sewing and gardening, along with many other interests.  She developed a knowledgeable repertoire and a discerning "eye" for antiques and collectibles that kept her young at heart for the "thrill of the hunt."

She was a daughter whose generous heart and spirit was exemplified by caring for her own mother when her health became frail.  She was a sister who was doted upon by her brother and who loved laughing with her best friend—her sister.  She was a wife who made a life with José, who said his wedding day to Carmela was the "happiest day of his life."  She was a devoted mother of eight children who rendered unconditional love and support which allowed each to pursue their life's mission.  She became "Grandma" on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.   Through and through, she was an 'hija de María' and, just like Our Lady, she would do whatsoever was within her power to lovingly reach out her hands to the poor, and extend her arms to the needy (Prov. 31:20).  She was a dear friend to many, especially the seminarians of St. Lawrence Catholic Seminary.  Her life exemplified love of God, love of family and, the virtues of compassion, perseverance, dedication and loyalty.

Carmen is survived by her 8 doting children:  Gloria (Walton Wenzel), Rosario (Josué Martínez), Joe (Eva), Frances (Ray Martínez), Annie,  Leo,  Richard and Eleanor;  her seven loving grandchildren:  Rod Eric (Pam) and Carissa Jo Herrera,  Raquel Milca and Caleb Herrera (Ashley) Martínez,  Christopher 'Taki' George and Sophia Alexandra Konstantinidis (Joshua Fajardo) and Ray Tízoc Martínez; and her five beloved great-grandchildren:  Bryce Gregory and Bryan Michael Herrera,  Maximilian James, Joseph Alexander and Viviana Grace Martínez.

FUNERAL SERVICES

The family will receive friends

Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 5:00 P.M. in

The Angelus Chapel

with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 P.M.

Funeral Mass will be offered

Thursday, February 14, 2019 at 9:00 A.M. at

St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church

Interment will follow at

San Fernando Archdiocesan Cemetery No.2