Herlinda R. Thurman

Herlinda R. Thurman, 92, passed away on Feb. 14, 2026. She is survived by her children, Leticia Thurman, Diana (Miguel) Martinez, Celeste (Ric) Sarracino, Linda Thurman-Sanchez (Chris); daughter/granddaughter, April (Troy) Velador; grandchildren, Miguel (Regina), Adrienne (Zach), Olivia (Sotero), Daniel, Laura, Sebastian (Valerie), Amanda, Erick (Ashley), Jeremy (Taylor), Nicolas, Melina, and Nathaniel; numerous great-grandchildren; great-great grandchildren; and dear friend and comadre, Juanita Flores.
Preceded in death by her loving husband, Jerry Thurman, whom she affectionately referred to as her “gringo”; only son, Victor Thurman; nine siblings; and dear friend and comadre, Josefina Rodriguez.
Herlinda was born in Tabasco, Zacatecas, Mexico on April 17, 1933. Herlinda was the youngest of ten children and was raised in Guanajuato, Mexico where she lived until adulthood. She met and married the love of her life, Jerry, after years of international correspondence (pen pals). Jerry traveled to Mexico surprising her and her family. They were married shortly afterward and then moved to Pueblo, Colorado USA where they lived happily ever after, almost reaching their 50th wedding anniversary. Herlinda was a strong and determined woman. Soon after moving to the United States, she learned the English language, received her GED, and continued on to eventually obtain a Bachelor’s of Science degree in education from the University of Southern Colorado. She worked as a substitute teacher for Pueblo School District 60 for many years and loved working with her middle school students. She was a nominee in the 1982-83 for Oustanding Women Awards in Pueblo, Colorado. She exemplified her most beloved vocation of wife and mother. She was an independent, fun-loving and social soul. She loved music and dancing, gambling, playing chess, cards, and board games, visiting with family and friends, and traveling; especially back to her homeland. Herlinda was a devout Catholic and faithful child of God. She will be dearly and forever missed.
Herlinda was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the Virgen de Guadalupe Catholic Societies.
Visitation, 3 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, in the Montgomery & Steward Funeral Chapel with Rosary immediately to follow. Funeral Mass, 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 421 Clark St. Interment, Imperial Memorial Gardens. Online condolences, www.MontgomerySteward.com.
She is now free and at peace!