Maria L. Hernandez's Obituary
Grandma Maria
Maria Lara Hernandez
January 5, 1934 - August 17, 2023
On the evening of August 17, 2023 our beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother, Maria Lara Hernandez fell asleep in death surrounded by her family, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was the “young age” of 89, as she would often joke.
Maria was born in Juchipila, Zacatecas, Mexico to Simona Salazar and Lazaro Lara. She was the youngest daughter of her 7 siblings, who preceded her in death. She later married Jose Trinidad Hernandez and had 8 children: Socorro, Angel “Cano”, Marcos, Olga “Aleja”, Amalia “Maya”, Arnulfo “Tito”, Maria “Tita” and Alejandro “Alex”.
In April of 1980, Mom arrived in Utah accompanied by our sister Olga to be reunited with our oldest brother Angel. In search of a better life, they decided to relocate the rest of the siblings from Mexico to Utah. In 1981, Mom was able to be with all her family in Salt Lake City where she happily lived the rest of her life.
In the early 1980’s Mom’s family began to grow when she became a grandmother. She was also introduced to the Bible teachings of the Jehovah’s Witnesses where she learned of the resurrection. The excitement of being able to see her mother once again was the motivation for mom to start studying the Bible. On April 5, 1986 Mom was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and remained an active and faithful member until the end. This was one of Mom’s greatest joys in life. She loved learning and teaching others of the beautiful promises that the Bible teaches, such as mentioned at Revelation 21:4 “..and death will be no more; neither will mourning… nor pain” and John 5:28,29 “..for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, to a resurrection of life”. We anxiously await for this promise to be fulfilled!
Throughout the years Mom worked in the restaurant industry and as a childcare provider. She not only had the joy of caring for her own grandkids, but also some wonderful kids that she grew to love as she was able to watch them grow into adulthood. Mom was very social, friendly and had a funny sense of humor. She loved attending gatherings and being surrounded by friends and family. Mom joked around with everyone, no matter their age and also had a few close friends which she could always count on, her BFF’s: Lupita, Goyita & Jose. There was never a dull moment with Mom. She was at her happiest when her house was filled with family. She may not have always had an elaborate meal prepared but she would always offer you a “taco de frijoles”.
Mom, we are going to miss your love, your company, your funny expressions, your laughs, jokes, stories, your ability to be straightforward, your good food and so much more! We’re so glad that you lived a happy and fulfilled life surrounded by the people you loved!
Gracias Ma, Ama, Mom, Grandma por todo tu amor! Tus “Chonitos”, 8 hijos, nueras, yernos, 14 nietos y 9 bisnietos te amamos muchisimo y siempre te extrañaremos! Hasta pronto!
A special thank you to everyone who has reached out and shown their love and support throughout this difficult time. Thank you to the staff at Holy Cross Hospital, St. Joseph's Villa and St. Mark’s Hospital for caring for our Mom/Grandma during her final weeks.
Services will be held on: Saturday September 2, 2023 at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses
2240 South 600 East Salt Lake City, Utah at 4:00 PM
Zoom Meeting ID: 844 8762 3486
Passcode: JesusRey
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