Lourdes Hernandez Landin

Beloved mother, sister, aunt, and sister-in-law, Lourdes Ignacia Hernandez Landin, passed away on May 18, 2023, surrounded by family and love, at St. David’s Hospital in Austin, Texas, after a long hard fought battle with polycystic kidney disease, which has plagued her entire family. She was just 60 years old.

Lourdes (Lulu) was born in Georgetown, Texas on July 31, 1962, the youngest of six children. As a result she insisted, teasingly, even in adulthood, that her four brothers and sister spoil her and do what she wanted, because she was the “baby” of the family.

She attended public school at Round Rock High School, graduated in 1981 and remained a Round Rock Dragon for life. The pride and joy of her life were her two sons, whom she welcomed as gifts from God in 1984 (Gil) and 1987 (Fabian). The rest of her life was devoted solely and single-handedly to raising and adoring these two incredible boys that grew to incredible men because of her. She instilled in them respect and dignity and unconditional love for family, and earned their respect and devotion in return through her own selfless acts, courage and strength. Their devotion to, and love for her was never more evident than in her final days when they rarely left her side, savoring every precious moment with her while trying to meet her every need and to comfort her, just as she had done for her own mother, father, brothers and sister in their final days.

Lulu worked for several years at Abbott Laboratories in Austin. Later in life, she worked for Pflugerville ISD as a Bus Aide, transporting disabled students. Lulu would bring children and parents treats and food, shower them with kindness and entertain them with her quick wit, and in return, they would bring her tacos, gifts, and love. They adored one another equally.

Lulu always had a strong faith in God and knew that He and the Virgin Mary would protect her, her sons and her family. Many gifts she gave and received were adorned by the Virgen de Guadalupe and of course...roses. She loved and babied her roses and plants in her garden, many of which were in beautiful Mexican pottery, gifts from her son Fabian, who never forgot his Mom on trips to Laredo. Her son Gil had the unenviable task of caring for her prized roses while she was ill…turns out, he’s an unintentionally great gardener as verified by his Aunt Linda, much to the surprise of his mom.

Lulu could have given a Master Class on shopping and justifying purchases in the face of opposition. She was often heard saying, “Someone will need this” after being told she didn’t need it. Sons and brothers were no match for her rationalization for shopping and buying. She looked so forward to trips to San Antonio with her two brothers Javier and Arturo and her sister-in-law Lisa, to visit their older brother Francisco’s final resting place at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. And yes, it ultimately resulted in shopping at the Mercado, and despite her brothers’ eye rolling and claims they did not have money to buy her what she wanted…an argument they usually lost. She was of course spending her own money on buying gifts for others. But all was well when a meal was shared at Mi Tierra. The days spent together would never be forgotten.

So many friends, family, staff of local favorite restaurants and healthcare workers adored Lulu. For seven years of her life, she endured dialysis at a local Round Rock clinic and grew very close to and cared for its healthcare staff, despite how difficult the treatment could be. She expressed respect, gratitude and love for the staff, all of whom felt the same about “Ms. Landin”.

Lulu was equally tough on everyone and rarely held back an opinion or observation, but also never failed to turn around and be generous, friendly and loving to all who met and knew her.

She leaves here on earth many broken hearts, including her sons Gil Hernandez Landin, Jr. of Pflugerville, Fabian Hernandez Landin (wife Angela) of Hutto, as well as her brothers Javier Torres Hernandez (wife Lupe) of Round Rock and Arturo Torres Hernandez (wife Lisa) of Elgin, Texas, her brother-in-law Luz C. (Lulu called “Larry”) Castillo, II, her sister-in-law, Linda Hernandez (Everardo) of Round Rock, sister-in-law, Maria Gonzales and her “sister-in-heart” Christina Chavez, as well as all of her beloved nieces and nephews who called her “Aunt Lu” or “Tia Lulu” and who she called “Mijo” or “Mija”, as she loved each as though they were her own: Francis Marie Hernandez, Mario Ray Hernandez, Francisco Torres Hernandez, Jr., Stephanie Michelle Gerlock Hernandez , Christina Eusebia Ha (husband Lee), Luz (Chato) Hernandez Castillo, III, (wife Jessica), Consuelo Hernandez Castillo, Melissa Hernandez Castillo, Jacobo (Jacob) Miguel Castillo (wife Ninfa), Arturo (AJ) Cuellar Hernandez, Jr., and Eleodora (Ellie) Louise Hernandez (husband Gilbert), her adored great-nieces and great-nephews, and her extended family in Texas and Mexico.

She has joined in heaven her father, Jacobo Niño Hernandez, mother, Eusebia Torres Hernandez, her brothers Francisco Torres Hernandez and Everardo Torres Hernandez, her sister Maria de Jesus Torres Hernandez Castillo, and her nephew Enrique Aurelio Hernandez, Sr.

The visitation to honor Lourdes’ life will be held Thursday, May 25, 2023 from 5:00 p.m., to 7:00 p.m., followed by a rosary from 7:00 p.m., to 8:00 p.m., at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Interstate 35 Pflugerville, Texas 78660. A funeral mass will take place on May 26, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., at St. William Catholic Church, 620 Round Rock W. Dr. Round Rock, Texas. Burial will follow at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery,14501 North Interstate 35 Pflugerville, Texas 78660.

Donations to honor Lourdes’ memory may be made to Austin Pets Alive at https://donate.austinpetsalive.org/give/420815/#!/donation/checkout.

May she have eternal rest in the arms of the Lord.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Landin family.