Hortensia Cabezas Herce, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away on September 15, 2026, at the age of 93. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy of love, strength, family, and hospitality that will live on through the many people whose lives she touched.

Hortensia was born on January 11, 1933, in Cuba, one of eleven children. In 1966, she and her family left Cuba to begin a new life in the United States. At the time, Hortensia was married and the mother of six children. Like so many families who left Cuba during those years, they arrived with very little, unable to bring much more than the clothes they wore.

Their new beginning was not easy. They arrived in a new country without speaking English and with six children to support. Through determination, faith, hard work, and the support of family, Hortensia and her husband found employment in Las Vegas and built a new life for them and their children.

Throughout her life, feeding people was simply part of who she was. Family, friends, and visitors rarely entered her home without being offered something to eat. To Hortensia, a meal was an expression of love, welcome, generosity, and care.

But perhaps what people will remember most were her hugs. She gave them freely and often. Many people simply called her “Tia” or “Abuela,” whether they were related to her or not. That was Hortensia’s way: if you came into her life, there was always room for you at her table and in her heart.

Hortensia was preceded in death by two of her children, Juan Herce and Hilda Richards, as well as by her ten siblings.

She is survived by her four children, Sabino A. Herce, Benita Ralston (Phillip), Redenta Blacic (Rodger), and Modesta Stewart (Frank); five grandchildren, Salvador “Saito” Fernandez, Jr., Erin Ralston, Rhyan Blacic, Brooke Stewart and Brandon Stewart; and nine great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind Diane Villa and others who became family through a lifetime of laughter, love & food.

Her family will remember the meals she prepared, the home that was always open, the smile that welcomed them, and especially the hugs she gave so freely. Those simple acts were expressions of something much larger—the unconditional love she had for the people around her.

Her absence is deeply felt, but her family will continue to find her in the traditions she created, in meals shared around a table, in stories told across generations, and in every warm embrace among the family she loved so dearly.

The family is deeply grateful for the kindness, prayers, love, and support of the many relatives and friends who have reached out during this difficult time.

Hortensia will forever be remembered as Mom, Tia, and Abuela and for making everyone who entered her life feel like family.