On Friday February 10th, our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Maria de la Luz Hernandez suddenly passed away into God's graces surrounded by her loved ones. A warrior throughout life, she was 95 years old.

Everyone who knew Luz, as she was called, knew how conscientious, hard-working, resourceful and self-reliant she was. "To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, to be late is unacceptable." was to be her guiding mantra throughout her life. Luz was full of courage, vigor and an overarching will to succeed, traits that were obvious to all after even just a single meeting with her.

Luz's story begins in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas Mexico where she was born to Julio Hernandez and Rosa Arellano in 1927. In the early 1950s, following in the footsteps of many an immigrant, Luz came to the United States. San Antonio, Texas became her new home and the springboard from which were launched her aspirations, goals and hopes. Through sheer force of will and an incomparable work ethic she indefatigably progressed from one opportunity to a better one. Upon her arrival to this country and with little knowledge of the language, Luz worked as a housecleaning lady and in the span of four decades achieved retirement from the Santa Rosa Hospital Medical Records Department (where she earned Employee of the Month recognition more than once). Once retired, Luz generously gave of herself and her time to The Salvation Army as a Seniors volunteer. She traveled extensively and counted having visited the great capitals of the world as one of God's greatest blessings bestowed on her. Not bad for a girl from a sleepy little town with nothing but can-do spirit and Big Dreams. Maria de la Luz Hernandez valiantly became the embodiment of the American Dream.

Luz was predeceased by her parents and siblings Ricardo, Elena, Julia, Celia and Olivia. She is survived by her only child Sandra "Sendy" Luz, son-in-law Juan "Juanito", only grandson Gerardo "mi muneco de oro" Adan, granddaughter Sheila, great-granddaughter Shadan and family pets "Los Muchachitos" Argos and Aria. There are numerous surviving nieces and nephews, including Rosy Sanchez, Ruben Sanchez and Yolanda Sanchez.

Dearest family and friends, in lieu of flowers please consider honoring my mother's legacy and donate to the following fund. Our sincerest gratitude, The Hernandez Family

https://gofund.me/1c3ae5d7

Viewing will be held at 3:30PM, with a Rosary at 5:30PM, on February 19th at Castillo Funeral Home 520 N. General McMullen Dr 78228