Nancy (Lucero) Padilla

Nancy Padilla of Mesa, Arizona, former longtime Hermiston, Oregon resident was born on October 22, 1938 in Williams, Arizona to parents, Herman and Frances Lucero. She died on June 29, 2025 in Mesa, Arizona at the age 86 years. Nancy was raised and attended schools in Flagstaff, Arizona. She married Gilbert Padilla and they had 3 children: David, Joseph and Diane before Gilbert was transferred to Kaiserslautern, Germany. Nancy was employed as director of the Vogelweh daycare and preschool in Germany. They welcomed their 4th child, Steven while in Europe enjoyed traveling throughout Europe before Gilbert was transferred to the Umatilla Army Depot in Hermiston, Oregon in 1972. They later divorced and Nancy spent 48 years in Hermiston, Oregon. Nancy worked for Oregon Rural Opportunities, California Human Development who mission was providing services to migrant and seasonal farm workers, Umatilla County Juvenile Detention and Secure Treatment Program, and for the State of Oregon Child Welfare Program for 30 years. She was a foster parent for 14 years, providing care for two boys who she loved and kept in contact with. Nancy was appointed by 3 different governors to 3 terms on the Commission for Women, the Commission on Hispanic Affairs, the Governors Nutrition Education Commission, Eastern Oregon State Advisory Committee. 

She was a member of the Service Employees International Union for 30 years, serving in a wide range of leadership roles, including state president, vice president and immediate past president. Nancy had a lifelong commitment in fighting for fairness and justice in her community and workplace. She was a  member of Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters of America, American Latin Culture Club, Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary, Foster Parent Assoc, State Hispanic Advisory Committee, SEIU Latino Caucus, Foster Grandparents Program and member of the Democratic Party. She enjoyed participating in politics, traveling throughout Europe and the United States, playing bingo and going on cruises, including one to Europe. 

After retiring, she moved to Crescent City, CA to be closer to her two youngest grandsons: Luke and Braden, her son Steven and daughter-in-law, Molly. Nancy was elected to the Board of Directors for the Crescent City Senior Center and Senior Red Cove Apartments. She was a volunteer for Mission Possible, a transition place for women. Nancy joined the Foster Grandparents Program and provided tutoring services to 10 children who need help with reading and spelling.

Nancy was most proud of her children and foster children who grew up to be successful adults. She cherished spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren and watching them participate in their sporting events.

In August of 2023, Nancy moved back to Arizona to be closer to her siblings, her son Joseph and grandchildren.   

Nancy was preceded in death by her brothers: Ray Lucero, Felix Lucero & Rudy Lucero; sisters: Conchita Lucero, Grace Sampe & Tiny Garfunkel; grandchildren: James Bunten Jr. & Jaime Padilla, and great grandson: Carsyn Culp.    
 

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. at the Hermiston Cemetery, Hermiston, Oregon. 

Please share memories of Nancy with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon is in care of arrangements. 

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