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Matthew David Herrera, also known as "Potatoe," age 21,was born May 19, 1988 in Albuquerque to parents, Edward Herrera and Michelle Sanchez. Matthew attended Eldorado High School and was currently attending CNM in hopes of becoming a physical therapist or better yet, a traveling nurse with his best friend, Alex. He had aspirations of continuing his education at a Christian-based college. Matt was currently employed as a Mental Health Technician at UNMH and enjoyed helping others in any capacity. He was a well-respected First Aid and CPR trainer with Expressions of Life and supported caregivers and worked with people with disabilities for several years. Matt loved with all his heart and was loved immensely in return, but he had a special place in his heart for his friends, Anthony and Bennie. Matt's first love was God, whom he came to know at two years old. The joy God gave him allowed him to love nature, camping and diving in the Jemez Mountains. Nurturing his niece and younger cousins was another of Matt's priorities and he was a hero to the children who loved him. He was the most forgiving person anyone could meet and he had a passion for his family, bible study, dogs and was also a strong advocate for human rights. Matt was inseparable from his other half, his one and only sister, Debrionna. A shared promise between them was the vow to be inseparable; even through physical separation the two were a constant. Matt will be terribly missed by all fortunate enough to have crossed his path. Our beloved Matt is survived by his father, Edward Herrera; mother, Nichelle Sanchez; sister, Debrionna "Sister" Herrera; grandmothers, Virginia Herrera and Dolores Botts and husband, Gary; his one and only niece, Ashlynn and his girlfriend and best friend, Alex. Also surviving are numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends. When Matt completed his journey to heaven, he met with his grandfather, Justo Herrera and an uncle, David Lopez. A celebration of Matt's life will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 11:00 AM at the Riverside Church of Christ, 1300 La Orilla Rd, NW, Albuquerque, with Minister Mark McKenzie officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. and inurnment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Urnbearers will be his parents and beloved sister. Honorary urnbearers will be Joe Montoya, Jeff Herrera, Noah Herrera, Sean Avrit, Michael "Bubbies" Alirez and Marco Lopez. Those who wish may donate in Matt's name to AGORA UNM Crisis Center, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC021695, Albuquerque, NM 87131. Arrangements by Riverside Funeral Home of Belen, 418 W. Reinken Ave. An online guest register is available at www.riversideofbelen.com
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