Cynthia L. DeHerrera

On Friday, October 17, 2025, after a hard-fought, 5-year battle with Multiple Myeloma, Cindy DeHerrera departed this life at her daughter’s home in Chandler, Arizona. She was surrounded by her family, who cared for her so dearly.

As generous and selfless as they come, Cindy was loved and respected for her ability to always think of others first. She was level-headed, a voice of reason, kind, and a compassionate friend you could confide in. Cindy was always ready to console, advise, or go to battle for those she loved, especially her family.

Often described as magnetic, she attracted attention and conversation from strangers and made friends in the most unlikely of places. For Cindy, though, nothing compared to the joy of being in a home filled with family, especially at Christmastime. As a devoted mother and grandmother, nothing could beat the warmth and love of her kids and grandchildren all in one place with a warm cup of cocoa (and a splash of Kahlua, of course) by the fire.

Cynthia “Cindy” Louise DeHerrera was born on July 8, 1965, in Glendale, CA, to parents Hendryk T. Wilencewicz and Jacqueline C. Alvarado. She was born two minutes after her identical twin sister, Tanya Jean Gray, whom she would often say she pushed out before her to ensure the world was safe and cool.

Following her curious and adventurous spirit, she enlisted in the Air Force at eighteen, where she was nicknamed “Alphabet” (try saying Wilencewicz). During her service, she met her first husband, Daniel DeHerrera; together they lived in Ramstein, Germany, a fond memory she would often reminisce about, and through their marriage, she welcomed two cherished stepsons, Matthew and William DeHerrera. Despite all the punk rock vinyls, skateboards, broken bones, and wild antics that come along with teenage boys, she loved them both with all her heart and considered them her own sons, and they considered her their mother.

Storming onto the stage three years later was her first daughter, Danielle DeHerrera, followed by Daryn DeHerrera, her second daughter, eight years after Dani. With some wild antics of their own, raising Danielle and Daryn was everything to Cindy. She was a loving and devoted mother, and she was so proud of everything that her kids became and all that they did in their lives.

Cindy was truly a dual-threat in the beauty industry, holding long standing and successful roles in both marketing and sales. She was incredibly hard-working and intelligent throughout her career. She was proud of all that she accomplished.

As hard as she worked, she also held a youthful and joyful soul. You couldn’t go a night in the same home without hearing her door creak open and rustling around in the fridge for some hidden sweets, especially ice cream, which her loving brother-in-law, Paul, always made sure were kept in stock.

Cindy’s second husband, Daniel Walsh, would describe her as a “lucky lady”, given her almost clairvoyant ability to tell you exactly which slot machine you will win at. Make no mistake, though, as lucky as she was, she was also brilliant, attentive, and studious, understanding the passions and interests she had; that’s why she excelled at them all. Whether it be picking the perfect Quinella at the Horse Track, picking up that 7-10 split at the bowling alley, or taking home the championship in her family’s fantasy football league (despite having to sometimes root against her Denver Broncos) in her second year, anything that Cindy put her mind to, she accomplished with tenacity.

Cindy DeHerrera is survived by her two daughters, Danielle and Daryn; son, Matthew; twin sister, Tanya; brother-in-law, Paul; aunt, Grace; daughter-in-law, Jennifer; son-in-law, Erik; “favorite couple” (her words) Dallas and Alyx; and grandchildren, Ameilia, Bryan, Wes, Aidan, and Aksel. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jacqueline and Hendryk, her son-in-law, Bryan, and her son, William, who she is watching over her family together with. Her legacy lives on in the strength, kindness, warmth, generosity, and vibrant spirit of her family and those she touched.

Cindy will be remembered at a private celebration of life held by her family. If you would like to donate in her honor, please consider making a donation to Hospice of the Valley, which supported Cindy and her family in her final days. The family greatly appreciates all that they did to make her time with her family as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.