Ana Selene Herrera

It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of our beloved Mother, Daughter, Sister and Friend. Ana Selene, Herrera (45) passed away on September 22nd, 2024. Ana was born on May 9th, 1979 in Ajo, Arizona. She grew up in Bisbee, Arizona with her adoptive parents Henry and Francisca Smith.

She adored the town of Bisbee and was a proud softball and volleyball player growing up. She often told stories of her cherished memories playing on the Bobby Sox softball team and of her time being a proud Bisbee Puma! When Ana was sixteen, she became a mother. These were rough years for Ana as she juggled family, school, friends, and being a parent. She Graduated high school in 1997 and proudly attended Cochise Community College.

She was a proud member of the local Safeway team before getting a job with the Department of Economic Security. In the year 2000 she began her career as a 911 dispatcher in Douglas, Arizona. She was passionate about her job here and felt a sense of purpose and accomplishment. She loved being a part of the law enforcement community. During her time in Douglas Ana discovered many passions. Annually collecting donations of backpacks and tennis shoes for orphans living in Mexico. She attended Sagrada Familia Church in Agua Prieta, Sonora and proudly sang in the choir. It was here she discovered a new passion for her faith and how she expressed it. Praising Jesus through song and music became her favorite community to be a part of.

Ana married in 2006. She then began a new chapter of life in Tucson, Arizona. Living in Tucson had its challenges but with these challenges brought two more wonderful children. Ana loved her three children with her entire soul. She would often mention that being a mother is what gave her the drive to carry on and move forward not just steadily, but with ferocity. During most of her time here in Tucson, Ana worked for the Pima County Sheriff's Department as a 911 Dispatcher. She excelled in the fast paced environment and quickly developed many friendships that she carried on with during her career.

The last several years Ana had one focus; Enjoy life! She loved traveling with her children and never missed an opportunity to take a quick weekend trip or methodically plan something out. She believed in squeezing as much juice from an experience as she could. Ana enjoyed the ocean and could spend an entire trip taking in ocean views and being in the water. Ana was a talented singer, always willing to perform if the occasion called for it (she would still perform even if nobody asked). She was an entertainer, often bringing life to the party with jokes, lively conversation, and of course with her love for singing. Ana was a proud member of Santa Monica Parish here in Tucson where she was a member of the choir. Ana was a devoted Catholic. She attempted to live a holy life and through her love for church she was able to touch the hearts of thousands of people throughout the years.

Ana had a love for Disneyland. She enjoyed the nostalgia, the sights and sounds, and of course she could never forget about those Disneyland Churros. Ana enjoyed her early morning hikes with her hiking buddies. She would proudly sport her hiking boots and her walking stick. She never passed up the opportunity to take her favorite dog Luna on a trip to the park or on a drive up Mount Lemmon. Luna brought her joy and laughter and in her final days Luna kept a watchful eye over anyone and anything that was close to our lovely Ana. It was not uncommon for Ana to commit to multiple plans despite her week being filled with work and kids. She always made time for those whom she loved.

She is preceded in death by her Father Ismael Peraza, Dad Henry Smith, and Mom Francisca Smith. She is survived by her three beautiful children; Juan Ismael Dorame (Isma), Vicente Andres Herrera (Toto), and Alicia Victoria Herrera (Vicki), her Mother Ely Angulo, Stepfather Emilio Jatomea, her Sister’s Doris Juarez Angulo, Maggy Juarez, Iveth Peraza, Lizeth Jatomea, Elena Samaniego Peraza, Ismel Samaniego Peraza, her Brother Emilio Jatomea, and her Stepmother Teresa Samaniego Peraza.

Ana was an inspiration of love and joy to those who had the privilege to be in her presence. She persevered through loss and through times of struggle with her faith and her optimistic attitude. I believe that she knew what her mission on this earth was. She would tell me not to be angry that she is being taken so soon, but to be thankful that she has accomplished what the lord has set her on earth to do. My mother knew her purpose. She was and will continue to be our inspiration, our smile on a gloomy day, our favorite song after a bad day at work, and she will always be in our hearts. Shining brightly like a lone star in a dark sky.