Mrs. Jocelyn Herrera, 88, of Queens, New York, passed on March 16, 2023. Jocelyn was born on November 11, 1934 in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago to Hilda Jessame and Leon Knights. She had three siblings Ursula, Myrle, and Pearl.
At the age of six, Jocelyn moved to live with her Grandmother Gertrude and Zachary “Papa” Trottman, where she grew up with her cousins Hilda and Ena. Jocelyn was always very thoughtful and helpful, and assisted with caring for her younger family members. Jocelyn attended school in Port of Spain and made many friends.
As a natural mother figure and caretaker, Jocelyn embraced the role of raising two-month-old Victor Theodore as her son. While raising Victor, she met T&T Police Force Constable Michael Herrera, father to Ancil Herrera. Both Jocelyn and Michael agreed to adopt both boys and raise them together.
In 1958 she was joined in holy matrimony to Michael Herrera. In addition to Victor and Ancil, five children, Andre, Ricardo, Ronald (Ronnie), Carolyn, and Ian, were born to this union. Michael and Jocelyn Herrera remained married until her passing. Jocelyn devoted her life to Christ and was a dedicated member of St. Theresa Catholic Church for over thirty decades.
She retired from East Chester Park Nursing Home after thirty-two years of working within healthcare services. While working there, she created a “Sou-Sou” investment club for pooling resources to help her nursing colleagues. She was passionate about patient care and creating a loving family environment within the nursing home.
In her retirement, Jocelyn became very active in her Richmond Hills community and was affectionately known as “Moms” to the entire community, including all the storekeepers and vendors. She was assertive with negotiating and ensuring the best prices for her purchases. She was a natural negotiator and leader.
She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Michael Herrera; sons, Victor (Beverly) Theodore; Andre (Lydia) Herrera; Ricardo (Se’Vaughn) Herrera; Ronnie (Heather) Herrera; Ian (Tawana) Herrera; daughter, Carol (Edgardo) Herrera-Ruiz; eight grandchildren: Kerry-Ann, Sherry-Ann, Cherrish, Shana, Sean, Victoria, Ancilla, Kevin, Crystal, Jessica, Ashley, Ashton, Malcolm, Michael, Airic, Lexie, Tressae, Iyanna, Kaylin. She also leaves behind great grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews, along with loving friends and neighbors who mourn her loss, but celebrate her legacy.
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