Gladys Amparo Herrera

Born December 14, 1934 in Bogotá, Colombia, she was the daughter of Juan C. Velasquez and Margarita “Margot” Lozano de Velasquez.

After graduating from the Colegio Nuestra Señora de la Presentación in Bogotá, Amparo moved to New York City, where she attended Barnard College and met her beloved husband, the late M. Alfonso Herrera Ramirez. They would go on to share 40 years together filled with love, friendship, family, laughter and a mutual appreciation for fine art, travel, books, music, fashion and foodie adventures. Wherever Alfonso’s professional responsibilities took him, from New York City, Seattle and Bogotá to Caracas, Philadelphia and Madrid, they happily immersed themselves into the local culture, quickly making new friends and soon calling their new house a home.

Amparo was a devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. Every greeting card, picture, art project, school report, gift or email from her children or grandchildren was proudly displayed. As a young mother, she often volunteered for her son and daughter’s activities, from acting as class mother and serving on various PTA committees. Every birthday party was a production.

Those who knew Amparo know she loved couture and the latest fashions. She would scour the magazines; her closets were the envy of many. She was a meticulous dresser and was often complimented for being the best dressed in the room.

Amparo is survived by her sister, Patricia Velasquez de Velosa of Bogotá; two children, Felipe Alfonso Herrera (Maria Almudena Santiago) of Southlake, Texas, and Camilla A. Herrera (David Genovese) of Stamford; three grandchildren, Andrea Alexandra Herrera of New York City, Carlo Francisco Genovese of San Diego and Alana Isabel Herrera of Los Angeles; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, and her brothers Francisco and Juan Jairo Velasquez.

The family wishes to thank the amazing angels of Maplewood of Darien and Constellation Hospice, who provided so much loving support when it was needed.

Calling hours will be held Friday, September 2 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 2900 Summer St., Stamford. A Mass of Christian Burial will held Saturday, September 3 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Cecilia Church, 1184 Newfield Ave., Stamford. The mass will be livestreamed on Facebook Live on the St. Cecilia Facebook page. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Amparo’s name to the Dementia Society of America.