Lillie Serna Herrera

With profound love and gratitude for a life well-lived life, we remember and celebrate Lillie Serna Herrera, age 93, who departed this world on July 7, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona, she was born to the parentage of Tiofila and Esquipula Serna. Born on August 14, 1932, in the quiet town of Abo, New Mexico, Lillie’s journey stretches across nearly a century—her presence as enduring as the high desert that once cradled her beginnings.

Lillie’s life was a tapestry rich with moments of resilience, boundless generosity, and unwavering devotion to the Catholic Faith, where growing up her wish was to become a Nun but her favorite past time was playing baseball. From the earliest chapters in Abo, Lillie absorbed life’s lessons from her parents, whose memories endure in her story. Into adulthood, she bound herself in love and partnership, her devoted husband an integral thread now lovingly remembered. Life’s joys and heartbreaks accompanied Lillie, she was preceded in death by her parents, siblings and her beloved children, Felix and Jenny, and her cherished grandson, Francisco. Yet, even as she mourned, she nurtured those who remained, she loved volunteering in many activities. She was employed for many years with The Hyatt Regency in downtown Phoenix where in 1983 she received Employee of the Year and was awarded a ALL INCLUSIVE trip to Hawaii. 

Lillie’s greatest legacy lives on in her daughters, Mary H. Herrera and Cristina D..Eichner, in whom her wisdom and humor continue to shine. In Christina’s husband, Rick Eichner, Lillie found not just a son-in-law but another treasured branch of her ever-growing family. Through each, her lessons and laughter persist—a testament to her enduring influence.

Her home was always open, its table extended. Whether sharing stories on warm summer evenings or providing gentle counsel in times of need, Lillie led with generosity, her presence reassuring and steadfast. She built bridges where there were divides. She celebrated quietly and loved fiercely.

Remembrance of Lillie’s passing will be accompanied by the rituals and gatherings her life so richly deserves. Family, friends, and all whose paths were brightened by her are invited to honor her legacy.The Visitation and Rosary will be held Tuesday, July 28th , visitation hours will be observed from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Avenidas Funeral Chapel, 522 E Western Ave, Avondale, AZ 85323.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on July 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church 6200 S. Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042. Lillie will be laid to rest at Saint Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N 48th St, Phoenix, AZ after the Mass , Following the Graveside, a family gathering will take place at Mary’s Ministries, 4848 S. 2nd St., Phoenix, AZ 85040, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Pallbearers will be Rick Eichner, Jose Serna, Christopher Serna, Pedro Santiago, Jr. , Vicente Santiago, Dominic Herrera, David Montoya Jr. , Santiago Montoya. 

To have known Lillie Serna Herrera was to know love in its purest forms—steadfast, nurturing, resilient, and bright as the morning sun over New Mexico’s mesas. She will be deeply missed, but the legacy of her heart remains, echoing in the stories, smiles, and acts of kindness she inspired. As we gather to say farewell, we carry her memory forward—grateful for every shared moment, every guiding word, and every quiet act of grace that defined her remarkable life. Contributions can be made to St. Jude's- www.stjude.org.