Nivia Herena
Nivia J. Herena, of White Plains, NY, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025, at the age of 86.
Born on August 5, 1939, in Jimbe, Cáceres del Perú, Ancash, Perú, she was the beloved daughter of the late Pricila Peregrina Torres de Sarmiento and Eduardo Sarmiento. On September 10, 1960, she married the love of her life, the late Ricardo Herena, in Chimbote, Peru. Together they shared 57 years of marriage, raising a close and loving family.
Nivia devoted her career to caring for others as a neonatal critical care nurse manager at Jacobi Hospital in the Bronx, where she served for 28 years before retiring in 2007. She was honored with the Nurse of Distinction Award, a reflection of her compassion, skill, and dedication.
She found joy in crocheting, knitting, gardening, reading, and cooking, but her greatest happiness was being surrounded by family. Nivia is survived by her children: Juan Herena of Chicago, IL; Louis Herena of Manhattan, NY; Susan Herena of White Plains, NY; Robert Herena of Harrison, NY; and Peter Herena of Streamwood, IL. She was the proud grandmother of Ricardo Herena of Denver, CO; Daniel Cassarini of Harrison, NJ; Thomas Herena of Chicago, IL; Jacquelyn Cassarini of Weehawken, NJ; Leela Herena of Rockford, IL; Elizabeth Herena of Binghamton, NY; Elias Herena of Cerritos, CA; Matthew Herena of New York, NY; Michael Herena of New York, NY; Jamie Herena of Chicago, IL; Mia Herena of New York, NY; and Christopher Herena of Chicago, IL. She was also blessed with one great-granddaughter, Olivia Anne.
Nivia is also survived by her loving siblings: Elva Sarmiento de Pacheco, Donald Sarmiento Torres, and Diana Sarmiento Torres. She is predeceased by her sister, Vilma Sarmiento Torres.
Above all, Nivia will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her love and legacy live on in the many lives she touched.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Nivia’s memory to the March of Dimes, Doctors Without Borders, or Madhatter Knits.
Personal reflections:
Monique Herena:
Nivia was all of the wonderful things that so many of us who loved her speak of the most. She was strong, hardworking, loving, loyal, a terrific cook, a willing teacher, but she was also things that we all experienced, but don’t mention as often. She had a great sense of humor and just like her mom, a great laugh. She was a great dancer and as soon as music came on, was never afraid to take a hand and pull me or someone else to a real or make anywhere a dance floor. She also was a leader at work for many years for her NICU and loved to talk about day in day out management accomplishments and leadership challenges. She was one of a kind and I will miss admiring gardens and knits with her, but also just talking…
Loan Arias :
I hold Tia Nivia’s memory filled with love, warmth and kindness. Her joy of cooking always brought us all together. Her love of knitting whether booties, blankets, hats or scarves was another way she wrapped us in her care. She lived a life of helping others whether it was family or through her work caring for premature babies. The love for her family was always at the center of who she was. Though we miss her, we take comfort knowing she continues to watch over us with the same love, warmth and kindness she always shared.
Tom Herena:
Nivia’s life was one of selfless dedication to caring for others, whether that was her children, patients, or indeed grandchildren. She was quick to draw upon an endless well of praise, love and patience to encourage not only myself but my brothers and cousins. I also believe that every Sarmiento and Hereña has inherited not only her compassion but her ambitious work ethic- particularly when it comes to cooking- and her sharp, laconic wit. I am honored to share those traits with her, as I believe we all are.
I’ll miss you, Mama Nivia, we’ll see each other again one day.
Caitlin Arias:
Her love for others shone not only through her remarkable nursing career, but also through the blankets and baby clothing she so skillfully created by hand. Even after her time at the bedside, her dedication to helping others continued in every stitch of her work. As a mother-baby nurse, I had the privilege of sharing her gifts with countless women, children, and families in need. Her creations became cherished throughout the hospital, uplifting spirits and offering comfort and hope. Each hand-delivered blessing carried a message of love: “This gift comes straight to you, handcrafted with all her love, from the best NICU nurse around—my Aunt Nivia.”
On behalf of myself and the underserved community of the Bronx, we give thanks for her lifetime of love, service, and unwavering devotion.
Michele Carlon:
When I put together the International Cookbook for my church, I asked Nivia for all of her recipes. She spent days testing out measurements and writing down recipes for me. I got the most beloved recipes and in turn bought 15 copies of the cookbook which I gifted to most of the family. We pull that cookbook out all the time to find our favorite foods like the Christmas Ham, Tallerines Verde, Aji de Gallina, Milanese, etc. She loved others with food and she loved with her crocheted and knitted gifts. She also TAUGHT us how to cook—she was very precise in how she wanted things chopped and sliced. She taught how to crochet and knit and passed on her knowledge freely.
Lou Herena:
Nivia (mom) had endless enthusiasm and boundless energy that she put into her everyday life-cooking, gardening, making clothing. As a professional, she applied the same vigor to saving babies as an ICU nurse and consoling parents when that wasn’t possible. She loved her family and was happiest when everyone gathered to celebrate any occasion.
Ketketsy Herena:
There are so many unforgettable moments with Mama Nivia. I’m truly grateful that Mom always sends us heartfelt birthday cards, holidays, and special occasions.
Nick Arias :
When I think of my Tía Nivia, I think of a woman whose heart was bigger than words could ever capture. She was a constant source of love, comfort, and strength in our lives for us all.
She had a way of making everyone feel seen, heard, welcomed, and deeply cared for- especially in their most vulnerable moments. Whether it was through a warm meal, her kind words, or simply her presence—her love would show even in the smallest moments, yet it made the biggest difference in the lives she touched.
My Tía chose to live her life putting others first in both her career and in her personal life- not out of duty, but out of genuine love, and her desire to bring people together. Her unwavering sense of selflessness and love echoes in my heart always.
Elva Sarmiento de Pacheco:
Soy Vita, como Nivia y muchos de la familia y amigos me llaman. Primeramente doy gracias a Dios por la vida de Nivia quien partió en paz hacia la casa del Padre.
Ella desempeñó muy bien su papel de hermana mayor dando buen ejemplo a sus hermanas y hermano, buenos ejemplos que yo no seguí algunas veces y por eso es que tropecé tantas veces. Nivia era el orgullo de mi papá Eduardo y de la familia Sarmiento, porque muchos de los primos y primas hermanas siguieron su ejemplo y fue muy respetada por ello con toda razón., porque ella no saltó las etapas de la vida, hizo lo correcto. Más tarde como madre trabajó incansablemente de la mano de su esposo Ricardo. Llegando acá y superando la barrera del idioma, sus hijos alcanzaron sus metas, después de eso nos dio la mano a sus hermanas apoyando a nuestros hijos, para que ellos a su vez nos ayudaran. Gracias infinitas hermana Nivia, por ti mis hijos y yo llegamos a este país a prosperar, lo cual te dijimos en reiteradas ocasiones, la recompensa vino de arriba. Que El Señor les de conformidad a tus hijos y descendientes, y que El te tenga en su Santa Paz. Amén!
Michael Costello:
Let it not go unsaid as a newbie to the family, i observed Tia held the bar high, for all to strive and fulfill their life potential, a gold standard with no excuses accepted.
When she perceived doubt or hesitation or a thought poorly framed, wisdom ensued baked in an abundance of love and anecdotal life lessons followed by a savory meal I believe worthy of three Michelin stars. And oh the desserts!
With a wide tent welcoming all at table, in 2003 I sat silent as she took measure of a stranger and drank in the persona of Toti’s new relationship. With a brief summary of the family, Papa Viejo early life in Chimbote and nursing school in Lima; a migrant journey first to Venezuela alone with children in tow then onto NY to create a new life, I knew i was in the presence of a formidable person of substance truth stamina and deep love of family. I saw underlying values and characteristics writ large that had partly formed my new love, Toti. Though their life paths were unique and perhaps Toti’s choices ruffled feathers, a profound deep abiding respect and love emerged as Tia observed
foundational growth , familial achievement and truth, in Toti.
A wondrous relationship developed and Tia often called Toti to organize her closets.
I’ll miss her
wisdom, abundance, joyful presence and love, dancing at all the parties and Chupe on New Year’s Day.
Paz
Michael
Elias Herena:
Some of my favorite memories of Mama Nivia are sitting around the table and listening to her tell us stories of her life. How she was able to get into nursing school despite believing she was terrible at studying, how she met Papa Ricardo and sent him to the US ahead of her with no plans of meeting up with him (LOL), how she saved her kids from the earthquake in Peru and decided that she needed to start a new life in New York to keep them safe, how she came here with nothing and built a family from the ground up. Every single time she told us these stories, I was astounded at her strength and courage. She faced so many hardships in her life, and despite everything, she still got up and kept going. And she was able to stick to her principles and stay true to herself through all of it. She raised a beautiful family and taught us all to be kind, to love one another unconditionally, to be open to change and adversity, and most importantly, to be there for one another. I think the fact that we’re all together to celebrate her is a testament to how well she succeeded at that.
I am so incredibly grateful that she was able to share those stories with us, and I want to make sure that future generations don’t forget how ambitious and hard-working she was. We are her legacy, and I don’t want to take that honor for granted.
Ed Arias:
When I think of Tia Nivia, I think of the one aunt that forever changed my life.
During a very uncertain time in my youth, she extended her helping hand and asked me “are you up for a challenge?” Mind you, a challenge Papa Viejo and Tia Nivia secretly concocted.
Tia Nivia dared me to take a shot at coming to the US to get a master’s degree not knowing a word of English. I hesitated but took the challenge…
My aunt lovingly welcomed me to her home to join the Herena clan including Pippen, the cat. She embraced me as one of her hijos and guided me through the basics on how to survive here. Among the lessons learned were: 1 -Not to eat a whole tub of whipped cream (“it’s not ice cream hijo, it will make you very FAT”) 2- How to drive 3- How not to drive my “new” old car without a driver’s license to see my then girlfriend Loan (never heard the end of it… 🙂
With her love and support, I successfully took on the challenge, built a new life, and helped others through her example. I’m forever grateful to my very special aunt Nivia.
Ed
Matthew Herena:
I’ll always remember my grandma, Nivia, as the matriarchal figure of the extended Herena/Sarmiento family, she truly united us all with her love and effortless grace.
She made countless sacrifices for her family, leaving Peru to give her children more opportunities despite being unfamiliar with the culture and language. When I would express my difficulties in my own journey learning Spanish she would always remind that it takes time and immersion to learn a new language, citing her own struggles with English at first when she moved to the United States.
Mama Nivia also introduced me to arts and crafts at a young age, teaching me to knit and paint and the valuable life lesson that good things take time and dedication to create. She always encouraged patience, hard work and practically never complained about anything despite facing numerous hardships in her life.
Mama Nivia’s strength and unconditional love for her family and friends will always inspire me and I will miss her dearly. I’ll choose to always remember her in her garden she tended to with love at 25 Howard Avenue, smiling and in her favorite sun hat.
Peter Herena:
My reflection: One of the many things I admire about Mama Nivia is her endless spirit of learning. She was a nurse in a time and culture where women’s education was not assured. She learned English and adapted to strange cultures of a distant land. She learned knitting and sewing. Taught herself gardening and crafting. Late in her career she took on the challenge of transforming her nursing unit to new technology and leading them through that change. Even when sometimes she doubted her own ability, she mustered courage and confidence to get it done. She truly was an inspiration, and an example of the power of immigrants to overcome any obstacle.
Juan Herena:
Mom often reminded me that in her day, women were not given much education or autonomy but that Papa Eduardo broke with that cultural norm and educated even his daughters. Mom told me people derided him for doing so but Mom honored him for it and more importantly took full advantage of the opportunity offered. Moreover, because she remembered how
Chinese and other Asian immigrants in Peru endured discriminatory treatment, she taught me to be sympathetic to people who have been treated similarly in this country as well.
To whatever extent I am an egalitarian it’s because of Mom.
I’d also like to point out that although Mom was religious, she did not use certain purported religious beliefs as a measuring stick for a person’s worth. She would regard everyone as equally worthy of dignity and affection as any other child of God. That was her bedrock religious belief, and it made her beloved for accepting all of us.
Finally, although Mom was ready to consider offering help, she was as wily as Papa Enrique at the card table in discerning how much help she would actually dispense. She could see through you and had her ways of getting the real dope on whether you would waste her help or thrive and pay it forward. She was a great mom but no pushover.
Susan Herena
Mom had determination to thrive in the most challenging circumstances. In Jimbe, from an exceedingly young age, she took on the obligations of raising her siblings and maintaining the household while her parents were frequently miles away for a week at a time tending the farm. She learned all the tasks of cleaning the house, cooking, hand washing the clothes and bedding while tending to her younger siblings and keeping up with the demands of school. Keeping in mind that these tasks during this time period were done without the aid of electronic appliances or the convenience of a gas stove- mortar and pestle, wash board and a tight clothesline, coal heated irons were standard appliances. There was also the task of assisting the family business of selling fresh milk or converting it to manjar blanco or cheese to sell to neighbors.
She was like a mother to her siblings and learned about the challenges of raising kids, forgoing many of her own needs and childhood experiences. This kind of sacrifice for family became a core value in her life when she married and left Peru to start her own family without social support, family or command of the language. A grand experiment to live in the US was something she at one point was ready to abandon because she missed her family in Peru but she realized her babies would have different opportunities in the US and chose to stay to insure a hopeful future for them. Her Abuela Carmen instilled the value of education in the family and basically mandated her grandkids move to Chimbote from Jimbe to have access to higher grade schools. Her father, Papa Eduardo applied this philosophy to his own kids and facilitated Mom’s journey to becoming a nurse. So she persevered to successfully earn her nursing degree in Peru , subsequently validated her nursing certification in the US. And all the while raising kids and teaching herself English.
As a nurse trained in the prestigious Anglo-American hospital in Lima she was disciplined and a natural leader. When she took an assignment in rural Chimbote hospital, she fought to improve conditions for patients and exposed a corruption scheme that exploited funds meant for supplies for patient care. She was defiant and boldly organized the burning of decrepit mattresses to force action.
Life with 3 kids close in age and subsequently 2 more kids was a whirlwind while my Dad, Ricardo, completed his surgery residence during which we transplanted every couple of years from Ohio, New Jersey, Bronx to Peru and back.
Mom brought the traditions of celebration that she grew up with and taught us to appreciate music, dancing and partying. She would prepare dishes that were beyond compare -she spent years refining her cooking style and was always looking to improve her recipes. She has carefully documented her sought-after recipes for everyone to carry on her joy of cooking (even doing zoom classes during the covid19 pandemic) but truthfully no one will be able to recreate her exact culinary ability, her exact ability to transform her love of family to her incomparable meals. In recent years she delighted in guiding her grandkids in the kitchen as they collaborated to create a chupe de camarones or a cebiche. She admired them and enjoyed watching them confidently put together dishes of their own liking. Being of a generation that had specific expectations of men and women’s roles she often chuckled when she realized that her grandsons defied those roles and wondered what Papa Eduardo would have to say about this. Still she loved her family for who they were and who they weren’t.
Mom was an artist in a variety of realms- in her professional life caring for the most vulnerable premature babies , in her culinary ability, in her ability to nurture her family, in her advocacy of education, in her love of home arts and in her love of nature and her garden. What a wonder that she was able to see a foto of her 1st great grandchild, Olivia, who was born a bit early perhaps to be able to greet Mom before she passed on.
You are always in my heart Mom and I thank you for freely offering so much of yourself to us. God bless you and embrace you.
Love, Susy
Diana Sarmiento:
Querida Nivia : Cuando alguien que amamos muere, no hay forma de evitar la tristeza y tener un vacío en el corazón, pero tenemos la paz y el consuelo que ya está junto a nuestro Padre Celestial. Muchas gracias por tu apoyo incondicional y vivencias compartidas . Descansa en paz querida
Robert Herena:
Nivia Herena was loved by her friends and family and will be greatly missed. She was a dedicated wife, loving mother and a compassionate nurse. She was a nurse who cared for premature babies at Jacobi Hospital in the Bronx. Many of the babies had a bleak outlook to their futures but Nivia approached her work with determination and a positive attitude. I will mostly like to remember my mom when she was preparing meals for holidays and special occasions and sometime neighbors in New Rochelle would knock on the door and compliment her cooking! She always had joy in her eyes in those occasions but my fondest memory of her was when she put on her nursing uniform for the first day of work and the happiness and pride would show on her face as her family wished her luck on her first day. With love mom, your son Robert.
Daniel Cassarini:
Mama Nivia had many notable qualities that have shaped who we are today. For me, there is one quality that stands out from the rest. Nivia had a ferocious commitment to doing the right thing, even if it meant putting her career on the line to uphold her duty to her patients. The greatest example of this is the storm she brewed up by burning an entire unit’s unsanitary mattresses and linens at a hospital in Peru. She had discovered corrupt actors were selling the newly arrived allocation instead of using it for patient care. Her actions resulted in a regulatory investigation, and accountability for the financial criminals involved. I have always admired the many demonstrations of her courage and integrity, and I am proud to have burned a mattress or two myself in the course of my professional career. Nivia was a natural leader, a source of guidance and support to so many from the time she was just 14 years old until well into her golden years. Her actions are an example to all of us of how much power one person can have to make the world a better place to live.
Jacquelyn Cassarini:
As children, and as adults, we have all been immensely fortunate to have had the presence of such a sincerely generous, loving and perseverant grandmother in our lives. She established long standing family traditions, and shared skills like cooking, crocheting and gardening with me. With her leadership and unwavering commitment to her family, she showed each and every one of us how to cherish what’s most important in this life. None of us could be as we are without her sacrifices and resilience. Thank you for everything you have instilled in us Mama Nivia.