Mary Hernandez
Age - 52
November 28, 2023
"In family life, love is the oil that eases friction. . . the cement that binds closer together. . . " --Friedrich Nietzsche
Mary Lee Hernandez, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, auntie, cousin, and friend, passed
away peacefully in her sleep on November 16, 2023, at the age of 52. Born on October 12, 1971, to John and
Juanita Hernandez in Stockton, CA, Mary was the third-born and only daughter and was raised alongside her
parents and three brothers on the East side in the Fair Oaks neighborhood.
She was a beautiful soul with a radiant smile and her laughter was infectious. You couldn't resist laughing with
her. She was feisty, headstrong, and sensitive and took pride in her appearance. She loved to wear maxi dresses, often black and her earring game (hoops) was always on point. A simple errand, family gathering, or casually spending time at home, Mary rocked her maxi dress, oversized cardigan, hoop earrings and cloud sandals with a side swoop do. And although she indulged in some simple pleasures, her kind willingness to go out of her way to help others resulted in placing their needs before her own. Whether it be for family, friends, or community,
Mary's unwavering generosity was a demonstration of her affection and love for others.
"Mom was very kind to everyone except herself. " Caleb Thompson, Son At the tender age of 19, Mary became a mother to her first born, eldest daughter, Anika Burnell, 32. Embracing motherhood, Mary soon grew her Family to include the birth of her eldest sons, Damian (deceased) and Reniko Easter, 27. And, while life became trying, Mary navigated these trials and met challenges head on to provide for her children and herself. She worked as a cashier at a local gas station and even then, she gave abundantly to her Family. Mary's cousin, Juanita "Nina" Gonzales, endearingly nicknamed her "the Snack Queen". Mary moved from one place to another, and in one instance, relocated to Modesto, CA before finding solace and enduring love with her life partner, Kenny Thompson of 27 years. Matched through a mutual friend, Mary and Kenny met in 1996 blending their families and growing their own together; born from their union: Kalena, 18, Kamelle, 16, and Caleb, 7, Thompson. Together, they instilled values of togetherness with all their children together.
In 2012, Mary returned to her childhood home to support her parents and fortify her Family. One of her greatest
joys was bringing Family together. She was the Family's hostess with the mostest. She took great pride and
pleasure in cooking a feast and inviting family and friends to share in the joy of celebrating life's milestones
together. Mary had skills and her culinary talents were a testament to her value of togetherness and family
traditions. Some of her infamous dishes were Adobo with pork spare ribs, Chicken with Ginger, and
Spaghetti. Though simple in idea, Mary's gatherings were abundant - guaranteed laughter, fellowship among
generations, children playing, delectable aromas and a plate to take home.
"She was my favorite cook. " Kamelle Thompson, Daughter
Settling into Family Life, Mary remained present and giving while supporting the growing needs of her Family.
Four years later, life's storm cracked her foundation. Damian Easter, her eldest son, died in a tragic car
accident. Heart-broken and weathering this great loss, Mary suffered health challenges of her own. Yet, she was a warrior and a survivor. She continued creating lasting family memories - that was her forte. Whether capturing
the essence of an ordinary day, commemorating a birthday or celebrating holiday festivities and graduation
achievements; she always ensured that family came together around food to share fellowship and celebrate life.
Her character was forged with resilience and determination, with unparalleled love for her family
"Mary was generous and kind and always thought about others' needs. "
Lupe Calica Gonzales, Maternal Aunt
And, in the midst of mourning and the process of healing, she discovered solace in simple delights such as buying items from Bath & Body, indulging in See's Candy and sour pickles, and extending compassion for rescued animals--a characteristic she inherited from her Mother. Among her favorite activities were the joy of cooking, binge-watching horror films, including following the captivating performance of Lovely Mimi and Iam Tongi, 2023 Winner of American Idol; His winning song, "Bring It On Home To Me," became Mary's newfound anthem.
The storms of life struck once more. On July 31 of this year, Mary's radiant light dimmed with the passing of her
mother, Juanita "Jennie" Hernandez. In the midst of grappling with grief and searching for purpose, Mary found
solace as God delivered her from pain and sorrow, calling her home.
Mary's legacy stands as a testament to the enduring strength of family bonds and the vital importance she placed
on togetherness. In commemorating the life of Mary Lee Hernandez, we honor a woman who lived fully, a Warrior Spirit whose legacy encompasses a profound impact of love and unity.
"You (Mary) are part of our Joy". Ezrah "Chewy" Febres-Duke, - Maternal 2x cousin.
*********************************************************************************************
Mary is preceded in death - Mother, Juanita Hernandez (2023) Son, Damian Davion Alexander Easter, (Oct. 2016) Brother, John Hernandez, Jr. (2012) Father-in-law, Joseph Thompson (2020).
Mary leaves to mourn her passing and cherish all her memories, Her Father - John Hernandez; Her Life
Partner, Kenny Thompson; Children - Anika Burnell, Reniko Easter, Kalena Thompson, Kamelle Thompson, Caleb Thompson; Kenyana Thompson, LaDrea Thompson; grandchild, Kasey Easter; siblings, Michael Hernandez (Jana Hernandez) Jesse Hernandez; In Laws , Anita Roach (Hector Roach), David Thompson, Lucious Roy, Joseph Thompson; Nieces & Nephews - Deanna Mychal Hernandez, Darius Hernandez, Jeremiah Hernandez, Ava Hernandez; Helicia Roach, Hector Roach, Jr, Frank Roach; Maternal Aunts, Mary Christina Johnson, Lupe Calica Gonzales; Cousins - Janeen Ella Johnson, Juanita Christina Gonzales and a host of extended Family and friends.Show more
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
