Margaret O. Herrera

89, of Santa Barbara, CA was called by our Lord to join him in heaven on March 17, 2013 after a brief illness.

When Margaret took her last breathe, she was surrounded by her loving family and friends. A vigil of praying and singing was kept during her heavenly transition. She died in peace and without pain.

She was born on October 20, 1923 in El Paso, Texas. Margaret moved to Santa Barbara with her family when she was 5 years old and attended local schools until the 8th grade at Santa Barbara Junior High. She left school early in order to help her family financially during the difficult times of WWII.

Margaret was the eldest of three brothers and a sister. Frank and Pat Ojeda who she now joins in heaven and is survived by Esther Planells and Santos Ojeda.

During the War, Margaret worked as a Riveter on the Lockheed Hudson Bombers at the Santa Barbara Armory. After the War, Margaret worked at Johnson Fruit Company Packing House. She later became a House Keeper for various homes in Montecito.

During her youth, Margaret sang with her sister Esther Planells on the Mexican Radio Station in Santa Barbara. They were known as the "Hermanitas Ojedas". They often traveled to Salinas and King City where everyone enjoyed their harmonious duet.

It was customary for her extended family to come to Santa Barbara for Old Spanish Days. Music and dance were always a part of her family and she was the heart of every celebration. It was common for Margaret to invite everyone into her home.

In 1948 Margaret married Ernesto Herrera who preceded her in death. They were married for 25 years and raised two daughters, Irma and Olga.

She will be greatly missed by her daughters Irma Segura and Olga Herrera, (Son-In-Law Richard Pinal), Grandchildren Angelica Bernal and Brett Stormoen, Sister Esther Planells, Brother Santos Ojeda, (Sister-In-Law) Rita Ojeda and many extended family.

The Family expresses great gratitude to Cristina Zarate for her 15 years of devoted loving care. Special thank you to the Cottage Nursing Staff for providing exceptional care during Margaret's final days.

The Rosary Service will be held on Friday, March 22, 2013, 5:00 p.m., at Holy Cross Church, 1740 Cliff Drive, SB, CA. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 23, 10:00 a.m., also at Holy Cross, followed by the Graveside Service at Calvary Cemetery, 199 N. Hope Avenue.

Arrangements entrusted to Pueblo del Rey Funeral Services, (805) 895-8409.