Lillian Hernandez, age 59, of San Antonio Texas, passed away with peace and tranquility on Saturday, March 16, 2024 with her sisters by her side. She was born in Alice Texas on July 31, 1964 to Eladio “Lalo” Hernandez, and Odilia “Lilly” Saenz.
Our beloved Lillian was tough, courageous, and brave with the heart of a lion and a strong mindset as she loved life even in her physically weakest moments.
Growing up, Lillian lived and attended school in Alice, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Carrizo Springs, but one thing never changed, she loved her hometown of Alice Texas and the Alice Coyote spirit. In school she loved participating in track, throwing shot put and discus, playing basketball, and playing percussion in the band.
Lillian worked as a cook and chef for many years. She cherished the love and friendship of her boss, the late Wayne Smith of Wayne’s Restaurant in Alice, who gave her the opportunity and the confidence to become a great cook. One thing for sure, her skills learned as a cook kept us all desiring a delicious meal prepared by Lill. Lasagna was a family favorite, no one made lasagna like Lillian, not even the top-notch Italian restaurants. Lillian was a self-made grill master, she and her neighbors had the best times out by the bar b que pit, barbequing and telling stories. Later Lillian worked as a fiber optic technician where she met her next best friend, the late Wayne Payne. Wayne and his wife were like parents to Lillian, and they became part of her family.
Lillian had a love for the beach waters of Rockport Texas and she made a point to go there as often as she could. There are many things Lillian loved to do and many places she loved to visit. The the most beautiful thing of it all, is that when she did it or when she went there, it was with a big beautiful heartfelt smile on her face and she enjoyed every second of it.
Lillian is preceded in death by her father, Eladio “Lalo” Hernandez; maternal grandparents, Avelino and Anastacia Saenz and paternal grandparents, Domingo and Juanita Hernandez.
Lillian is survived by her daughter, Victoria Odilia Hernandez. The loves of her life, her grandsons, Ramiro “Punkin” Gamboa III and Benjamin “Pudgy” Gamboa. Her mother, Odilia Saenz. Her step mother, Duvelsa Hernandez. Sisters, Delilah (Julian) Sepulveda, Deborah (Marco) Zertuche, Dacia Hernandez and Elizabeth Espurvoa. Brothers, Eladio “Gino” Hernandez and Albert (Sally) Hernandez. And all her much-loved nieces, nephews, great niece and great nephews. Her Forever Friend, Alyson Martinez.
The Family wishes to recognize and thank the Doctors, Nurses and staff at University Hospital San Antonio, the Nurses and staff at Sundance Inn Health Center New Braunfels and Hope Hospice Nurses, CNA’s and Chaplin for their kindness and care of Lillian when she needed it the most. Victor and Ron of Legends Funeral Home, we appreciate the kind and caring manner displayed to our beloved Lillian.
A Memorial Service to Celebrate Lillian’s life will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Holmgreen Mortuary, 2061 E Main Street, Alice Texas. The family will receive visitors at 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM with a Celebration of Life to begin at 11:00 AM. Burial will immediately follow at New Collins Cemetery.
Services are entrusted to Holmgreen Mortuary, 2061 East Main Street, Alice, Texas.
Condolences may be offered at www.holmgreenmortuaryinc.com
