Herminia Fernandez

She was born, one of fourteen children, in Alban, Colombia on February 12, 1932 and immigrated to New York in the 1960s with $60 and a headstrong determination to build a future of her own and pursue her dreams. Known as “Nana” to all who met her, she was an entrepreneur, avid gardener and spiritual warrior.

Prior to earning her cosmetology license, she worked at McCall’s magazine where she created sugar flowers and baskets for their famous recipe column photos. Nana soon met and married Jose A. Fernandez while living in New York. They had five daughters and relocated to Houston, Texas where Nana was employed at—and then owned—a boutique wig salon.

Her adventurous spirit, family centered life, and gracious and giving heart was the glue that continues to bind a large and beautiful family. She is loved and survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, whom she loved as her own, Diana (Buddy) Sullivan, Claudia (Shane) Mullins, Sandra (John) Rhoads, Camila (Adam) Blumberg and Luis Cedeno. Her grandchildren, Cassandra, Andrea (Sebastian), Anthony, Jeremy, Jessica (Wes), Nicholas, Joshua, Olivia, Jacqueline, Alanna (Michael), Nathaniel, Addison, Leyton, Siena, Ethan, and Tahlia. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Alina, Owen, Addilyn, and Oliver.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Octavio and Sixta Tulia Amaya, her husband, Jose Antonio Fernandez, and her daughter Juliana Fernandez Cedeno, and nine of her siblings.

With her passionate and caring heart, Nana spent her years helping those in need, sacrificing for the good of her family. Known as a kind, wise and strong woman of faith with a “direct line to God,” she lived continuously praying for those around her. Her gift of cooking and love of laughter, family gatherings, and gardening (which won her several yard-of-the-month awards) always brought people together. Nana will forever be remembered as a genuine soul and a loving mother and grandmother, that always wore a smile, loved Christ, believed in hope, and demonstrated true strength during difficult times.

Nana’s life will be honored on November 3, 2023, St Ignatius de Loyola Catholic Church at 11:00am. 7810 Cypresswood Dr., Spring, TX 77379.

She will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Should anyone wish to honor her memory, a kind word to a stranger, a prayer, or a small donation to any charitable cause would be more than sufficient.