Celeste Huerta was walking home in Waco,Texas after her car got a flat tire. She was hit near the I-35 overpass and died Saturday morning.
"She was naturally beautiful, no makeup, the most beautiful lips you'd ever see, just natural," her sister, Patricia Cooper said.
She was known for many things, including being a peacemaker. If someone was in a fight, she would make sure the situation was resolved. Everyone loved her smile.
"She had the best smile," Cooper said.
Leaving behind 5 kids, 7 half siblings, a husband and many more friends and family, Celeste died one day before her 39th birthday.
Family and friends decided to have a balloon release in Cameron Park.
"It was kind of rough because everybody is still sad, but it was her birthday so we're trying to make the best of it," her oldest son, Joseph Cabrera said.
Cabrera was out of town with his baseball team when he heard the news. He came straight home to be with his family. In his 15 years, his mom taught him many things, but there is one that he's holding onto today.
"No matter what life throws at you, you can always come back," Cabrera said.
Huerta's family has learned that every day is precious and family is important. Losing their loved one has been the most difficult thing to do, and forgiving the one who hit her has been even more difficult.
"I pray for that person because I can't even imagine what they're dealing with," Cooper said.
They aren't mad at the one who caused this pain, because of their actions after the accident.
"Whoever was involved stopped, called 911 and rendered aid," Cooper said.
The family finds comfort knowing that in he last moments, Celeste wasn't alone. Although Celeste may be gone, forgiveness is all they have left.
"I can be angry, and we are, I think we all are, but to place blame, it's just not fair and it's okay," Cooper said.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, Dec. 19.
This article was written by Cierra Shipley for KXXV .
