On Tuesday, June 30, 2009 a light went out. Constance E. "Connie" Herrera passed away while residing at Sunrise Assisted Living of Leesburg, Virginia. She was 72 years old at the time of her death. Connie was born in Lancashire, England on October 3, 1936 to proud parents George and Muriel (Coward) Elliott. While living there she met her future husband Joseph R. Herrera, an American who was serving in the United States Air Force.
In 1966 she and her husband moved to the United States where they later divorced. Connie lived in Burke, Virginia for over 30 years. Although she lived in the United States for many years, she never lost her love of English chocolate; enjoying the tasty treat daily.

Connie was a hard worker. She was a Real Estate Agent for 15 years. She started her own cleaning company and worked for the Fairfax County School Board.

Connie was a vibrant lady who made the most of life each and every day. A friendly person, she made friends wherever she traveled. Her love of travel led her on many outings. She traveled most of Europe including her favorite spot, Gibraltar, Spain. In Spain she fell in love with the climate, the people and especially the food. From her first trip to Spain to the present her favorite meal included Spanish foods. Locally, she often visited the Charles Town Races where she enjoyed watching the horses run and the excitement of playing the slot machines. If Connie had no where else to travel, she would get into her car and go driving. She would look in the Weekender Magazine insert in the Washington Post; choosing a tour route to drive on weekends.

Always making the most of her time, she had many hobbies. Connie most enjoyed just being in her garden. Planting a seed to watch it sprout and grow filled her with much joy, especially her rose bushes. She enjoyed watching the different types of birds and listening to each individual song they sang. In the quiet times she worked her crossword puzzles. But when she needed something a little more exciting she went out to see a scary movie.

Though Connie has passed on, her light will continue to shine in her children: daughter Marissa Herrera-Parker and husband Gil and son Tony Herrera and wife Jackie both of Northern Virginia. Also surviving are her grandchildren Emily, Daniel and Nicholas Herrera and her brother George Elliott and wife Anne of Pontefract, Yorkshire, England. She was predeceased by her parents George and Muriel (Coward) Elliott.

The family is extending an invitation to celebrate the life and resurrection of Connie Herrera on Saturday, July 25, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. The memorial service will be held at the Clifton Presbyterian Church 12748 Richards Lane, Clifton, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting a memorial donation be sent to the American Cancer Society, 124 Park Street, S.E., Vienna, VA 22180 (800-227-2345).

The family would like to thank you for your condolences on the passing of their mother, Connie. They are especially grateful for the prayers, support and many kindnesses you have shared with their mom and the entire family. You have blessed them all with your friendship.