Teresa Paleo Hernandez

Teresa “Madre Teresa” Hernandez, age 85, of San Antonio, Texas, passed from this life into the loving arms of Jesus on December 8, 2025. Teresa was born on August 11, 1940, to Ventura Paleo and Maria Ochoa. She attended Edgewood High School and built a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others.

On November 22, 1963, Teresa married the love of her life, Johnny Hernandez Sr. For many years, she worked side by side with her husband in their family-owned business, helping lay the foundation for the legacy her family continues today. Teresa was a proud member of International Bible Church, where her faith guided her daily life and inspired her devotion to helping those in need.

Teresa had a deep passion for missionary work and spent many years assisting the poor in Mexico. She especially loved visiting the orphanages her family sponsored in Laredo, Mexico, and Reynosa, Mexico. Her generosity was evident in the countless donations she made—especially clothing—and in her efforts to help build homes for individuals experiencing homelessness. It was not uncommon for her to load her van with food, toys, a mattress, clothing, and other essentials, then personally deliver them to those who needed help the most.

Teresa’s family will forever cherish memories of gathering around the table to share a meal, watching her light up with her grandchildren nearby, enjoying a glass of wine with her sons, visiting the family businesses with her daughter, and worshiping together at church. She was also known for her joyful visits to the family businesses, where she loved to keep everyone on their toes with her famous “quality control checks.”

Teresa was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Hernandez Sr.; her brothers, Alfred Paleo and Manuel Paleo; and her sisters, Mary Hinojosa, Carmen Garcia, and Albertina Hernandez.

She is survived by her children, Leticia Hernandez, Johnny Hernandez Jr., and Mark Hernandez and his wife, Denise Hernandez; her grandchildren, Johnathan and his wife, Cynthia Rodriguez, Madeleine Hernandez, Isabella Hernandez, Andrew Hernandez, and Joshua Hernandez; and her great-grandchildren, Amelia Rodriguez and Aaron Rodriguez.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 11 a.m., at International Bible Church, 2369 Benrus, San Antonio, Texas. Flowers may be delivered on Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the Teresa Hernandez Latinas in Hospitality Scholarship, which will continue to support the life’s work she cared so deeply about.

Madre Teresa’s legacy of faith, service, and love will live on in every life she touched.