Nancy Padilla of Mesa, Ariz., former longtime Hermiston resident, died on June 29, 2025 in Mesa, Ariz. at the age of 86.
She was born on Oct. 22, 1938 in Williams, Ariz. to Herman and Frances Lucero.
Nancy was raised and attended schools in Flagstaff, Ariz. She married Gilbert Padilla and they had three 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 fourth child, Steven, while in Europe. They enjoyed traveling throughout Europe before Gilbert was transferred to the Umatilla Army Depot in Hermiston in 1972. They later divorced and Nancy spent 48 years in Hermiston.
Nancy worked for Oregon Rural Opportunities, California Human Development, whose mission was providing services to migrant and seasonal farm workers, Umatilla County Juvenile Detention and Secure Treatment Program, and for the 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 three different governors to three terms on the Commission for Women, the Commission on Hispanic Affairs, the Governor’s Nutrition Education Commission, and the 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 to 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 Association, State Hispanic Advisory Committee, SEIU Latino Caucus, Foster Grandparents Program and a 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, Calif. 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 needed 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 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 and Rudy Lucero; sisters, Conchita Lucero, Grace Sampe and Tiny Garfunkel; grandchildren, James Bunten Jr. and Jaime Padilla; and great-grandson, Carsyn Culp.
Services are to be announced.
Please share memories of Nancy with her family at burnsmortuary.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
