Eleanor H. (Salazar) Herrera

Eleanor H. (Salazar) Herrera (April 18, 1940 – Dec. 28, 2018)

Friend and cousin to many, as well as unofficial historian of all things Atrisco, Eleanor Herrera, 78, left our world to be joined in the arms of God with her parents, Eutimio and Annie (Salazar) Herrera. Eleanor was a school teacher in Albuquerque and a longtime librarian in Denver, Colorado. After retiring, she returned to her Atrisco home to care for her elderly parents. Eleanor was a consummate educator who valued teaching and the importance of being a life-long learner. Never shy about her political leanings, Eleanor was a staunch supporter of Democrats, especially those in New Mexico who proudly represented her Atrisco and South Valley communities. 

As our cousin, she loved hearing about marriages, newborn babies and, especially, those who graduated from high school and college.
Eleanor received her bachelor’s degree at the University of New Mexico and her master’s degree in library science at the University of Colorado. She followed in the footsteps of her parents, who were both educators in Albuquerque.
Eleanor took it upon herself to preserve some of the many historic photos and stories of Atrisco and its people. A short pictorial history of Atrisco can be viewed at The National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque.

Eleanor’s involvement with the Atrisco Land Grant continued well after the shares to the land grant were sold. She always said that all heirs should continue to take pride in being heirs of one of the most prestigious Spanish land grants. Eleanor will long be remembered for her matriarchal status as a Herrera who stayed true to her Spanish and New Mexico roots. She believed in living a humble life while keeping our heritage rich with memories. 

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, several aunts, uncles and cousins. 

She is survived by her dearest cousin, Aileene Sydow (David) of Pennsylvania, as well as cousins Melvin Montano (Marian), Phil Montano, Shirley Marie Kinnard (Jim), Albert (Sandra) Herrera, Yvonne (Glen) Galyon, Michael (Becky) Proo, Patrick, Barbara and Diana Armijo, Johnny, Patricia Lujan, Angela Otero (Paul), Geno Herrera and Elizabeth Perea.

Eleanor's Life Celebration will begin with a Rosary that will be recited on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at Salazar Mortuary (3rd and Lead). Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 11, 2019 at 12:00 pm at Holy Family Church. Burial will follow at Santa Clara Cemetery in Atrisco.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Eleanor’s memory to Holy Family Church, 562 Atrisco Dr SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105.

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