Nina Morales Hermosilla

June 5, 1931 - September 16, 2025

Nina Morales Hermosilla came into this world feet-first, a breech birth, on an unseasonably cold day in June; family lore tells us that it snowed. Her feet were always cold. Anyone who knew her will remember her on those busy feet (when not in her car), a dynamo of rapid-fire movement, ideas, opinions and emotions.

She worked tirelessly, astonishingly, deep into old age. She gardened for hours on end, ate well, slept soundly and began again.

Fearless in her kitchen, she often experimented with new recipes and exotic flavors, drawing from the Chronicle’s Wednesday Food section. Until her eyes failed her, she read the daily paper from one end to the other, and found inspiration in biographies, her Mexican heritage, and the spiritual gifts of many cultures.

Beyond the cheerful walls of her home, she sought out fine food, classical music, and art museums. She was a spirited fan of the SF Giants. She had exquisite taste and a talent for unearthing thrift-shop treasures; visits to “la segunda” were a familiar pastime into her final weeks. Like her mother, Nina was an ardent proponent of education for everyone around her, though she herself had abandoned a college pursuit in favor of contributing to family support.

She survived a horrific pedestrian accident at 90, was baffled by old age, betrayed in turn by significant decreases in balance and vision, by legs that would no longer support her, by the loss of memory and strong mind. The 13th of 15 children, she was stunned by the loss of her baby brother Tim in 2023 and her unanticipated role as an elder, the last of her generation.

An idiosyncratic view of the world accompanied Nina throughout her relentlessly independent life, much to the benefit (and occasional consternation) of family, friends, and neighbors.

We were blessed to have shared a roof with her these last four years, and we are beyond grateful to have had her with us at home at the time of her peaceful passage. She loved, and was loved, deeply. And her bright presence is deeply missed.

Dates and Details:

Born in Longmont, Colorado, 1931; moved with family to San Francisco 1946; graduated Mission High School 1950.

Wife of Edward John Hermosilla 1958 (widowed 1981); mother to Dena Eleanor.

Later resident of San Rafael (2000-2023); Berkeley (2023-2024); Sebastopol/Graton (from 2024).

Passed calmly and peacefully at home, in the company of her daughter.

Partner and business owner in San Francisco, 1963-1981 (Ed’s Launderette, 23rd at Bryant; Laundry Village, Castro at 18th). Member of St. Peter’s and Most Holy Redeemer parishes in San Francisco, and of Saint Raphael the Archangel in San Rafael. Longtime volunteer at St. Anthony’s Dining Room; later at Brown Bag Pantry/Whistlestop.

Nina is survived by her daughter, Dena Hermosilla Higgins; son-in-law, Terrence Eugene Higgins; multiple generations of nieces and nephews; friends and neighbors.

She was predeceased by her husband, Edward; her parents Fidencio (Lencho) and Beatrice; brothers Russell, Charles, Joseph, Raymond, and Timothy Morales; sisters Simona Diaz, Elizabeth (Betty) Costello Shepherd, Gladys Garcia, Jobita (Chubby) DelReal, and Mary Jo Martinez; sisters-in-law Olga, Esther, Secunda, and Jean Morales, Eleanor Holsten, Lillian Skinner, and Yvonne Hermosilla; brothers-in-law Philip Diaz, Lawrence Garcia, Joseph DelReal, Arthur Holsten, Roy Skinner, and Louis (Al) Hermosilla; nieces Beverly Robles, Betty Angel Molina, Lori Camp, Cathy Ponce, Gloria Costello, Roslyn and Pam Morales; nephews Russell (Jr.), Raymond (Jr.), and Curtis Morales; Anthony, Leslie, and Marc Costello; Donald Shepherd, Neal Skinner, and Tom Hermosilla; companions and friends Joe Marion and Alex Herrera.

In keeping with Nina’s wishes, a private memorial and family gathering will be held.

Donations in Nina’s memory may be made to:

Redwood Empire Food Bank, https://partners.refb.org/donate/donate

Junior Giants, https://giantscommunityfund.givingfuel.com/giants-community-fund-donation-page

And she loved flowers of all kinds.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nina Morales Hermosilla, please visit our floral store.