Maria de la Luz Hernandez

Maria de la Luz Hernandez, known to her family and friends as Lucy, passed on Saturday, December 25, 2021, in Laredo, Texas. She was 62 years young.

In person, Lucy was an exemplar of loyalty—soft-spoken and opinionated; calm and observant; dutiful and empathetic; humorous and loving. Lucy was a smart and inquisitive woman who always placed others before herself. She enjoyed the company of her family and never failed to ask for us by name and praise our accomplishments. Lucy will be remembered for her loving embrace, her commitment to care, and her undying love of others.

Lucy loved technology and was fascinated by the novelty of the personal computer and, eventually, social media. She reveled in seeing her loved ones and their families through Facebook posts and photos and enjoyed collecting pictures for her digital collages. She often shared in our laughter with her quintessential chuckle—and occasionally her hearty laugh. 

A lifelong learner, Lucy excelled in academics and graduated from Nixon High School in 1977 and from Laredo State University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in 1980—one of the first in her family to do so. Following graduation, Lucy worked at Laredo National Bank and Laredo State Center, where she enjoyed the company of her peers and participating in hobbies like painting, completing puzzles, listening to music, and watching game shows on TV.

Lucy lived her life in the home she was born in. Set atop a hill in Las Lomas, Lucy’s home became a sanctuary of routine and family care. Here, she provided daily attention and support to her loving mother, brother, and all else who passed through the family home on a regular basis. Though quiet she may have been, Lucy was a steadfast helper and became the steward of the family’s home. What may have been a chore to others, Lucy dedicated herself to dutifully. Amidst our ever-busy schedules, Lucy was always there to welcome us in and set the table.

A true woman of her time, Lucy loved the music of Elton John, Michael McDonald but most especially The Beatles. She once shared that her favorite Beatles song was “Eleanor Rigby”. The melancholy story of Eleanor Rigby explores the difficult subjects of loneliness, depression, and neglect set against the familiar and comforting pop chords of The Beatles. Grave as the song’s lyrics may be, its message challenges us to look beyond ourselves and empathize with the plight that those around us may be enduring. 

That was our Lucy. For as quiet and calm as she may have been—for what challenges she may have been facing—she never failed to consider the comfort and welfare of those near and dear to her heart. She celebrated our accomplishments, longed to hear of our wellbeing, and always remembered each of our birthdays. 

Lucy is preceded in death by her father, Silvestre Hernandez; grandmothers, Luz B. Hernandez and Maria Benitez; brother, Felipe Benitez, and aunt, Christina B Vera. She is survived by her beautiful mother, Margarita B. Hernandez; her loving siblings, Maria de Jesus “Susie” Guajardo (+Ricardo Javier), Beatriz H. Velazquez (Rudy), Silvestre Hernandez, Jr. (Margarita), Jorge Hernandez (Diana), Adolfo Hernandez (Araceli), Florentino Hernandez (Monica), and Carmen H. Lorentz (Dal), 16 nieces and nephews, 19 grand nieces and nephews, 1 great-grandniece, cousins, other relatives, and friends. Extended family includes uncles, aunts, and cousins in Mexico City and surrounding areas.

In remembrance of Lucy, a rosary will be held on Friday, December 31, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. at Hillside Funeral Home Chapel. A visitation will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The funeral procession will depart Hillside Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, December 31, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Services will conclude at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

Lucy will be joined, one last time, by her loyal family and friends who will reflect on their loving memories of her together; and unlike the titular character of her favorite Beatles song, LUCY parts this Earth surrounded by loved ones—and will finally rest IN THE great SKY WITH DIAMONDS.

For everyone’s safety, please continue to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and honor the family from a distance. You may express your condolences to the family on our website at www.hillsidefuneral.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Hillside Funeral Home, 310 Hillside Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041.