Maria Eugenia "Yaya" Hernandez

Yaya graduated from Chula Vista High School and San Diego State University with a Master's degree in Social Work. She realized a passion when she went on to form a career helping others as a Social Worker for San Ysidro Health Center, Isis Crisis House and Sharp Chula Vista.

On March 6, 1976 she married the love of her life, Xavier Hernandez. The couple was blessed with a marriage of 39 plus years and three children, Xavier Jr., Daniel and Karina Renee.

While in college Yaya was an active member of MECHA, a student organization that promotes cultural pride and education. While active in her career, her first priorities were family and their well being. She enjoyed cooking special meals for all, and in her spare time she loved reading, working on crossword puzzles, following her Charger players, fine wines and listening to Motown music. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and witnessed her gusto of life.

Yaya is survived by her husband Xavier Hernandez, sons Xavier Jr. and Daniel Hernandez, and daughter Karina Renee Hernandez. In addition, surviving siblings; Lucy Rios, Maria Elena Tamayo, Margarita Rios, Josefina McGuffey, Francisco "Paco" Rios, Rodolfo Rios, Laura "Bibi" Rios, and Rebecca Rios.

A Celebration of Life & Visitation will take place at Funeraria Del Angel Humphrey, 753 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91910, on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Vigil prayers will be officiated by Deacon Lane Litke at 6:00 p.m. in the Serenity Chapel. On Wednesday, December 16, 2015, a funeral mass will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. followed by interment at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego.