Sara Yolanda Hadley

Sarita Yolanda (Hernandez) Hadley was born on April 1, 1927, in Ybor City in Tampa, Florida to Peter and Argelia Hernandez. During the early part of her life, she lived in New York City where she earned her degree from the National Banking College of New York. She then moved to Miami, Florida at the age of twenty. Sarita enjoyed and thrived at her chosen career in banking. During her career, she rose to Senior Vice President of City National Bank in the New Accounts Division.

Sarita married Howard Hadley on August 21, 1965, where they became a family of four. Howard brought his sons, David and Paul Hadley, both of whom gained an angel for a mother.

The young couple first moved to Gainesville so that Howard could work with Senator Ed Gurney. Then the family moved to Tallahassee in 1968 where Howard began working as the lead attorney for the Florida Department of Transportation. In 1971, they moved for the final time to the Orlando area in Seminole county where Howard worked with the Florida Real Estate Commission. Sarita and Howard purchased their home in 1971 and were the proud owners of their brand-new beginning where roots were planted, and memories were made for over forty-three years of their forty-nine years of marriage. Sarita’s wishes were to leave this world while at the home where she lived with the love of her life, raised her children, and spent so much time laughing, loving, and being a beautiful light of joy in the world. Sarita never met a stranger, and she loved all whom she met. They returned that love. Sarita found great comfort in her Catholic faith, and she loved, trusted, and had deep faith in God. Sarita passed away peacefully in her sleep in her beloved home with her son, David, by her side during the early morning of July 29, 2024. Her love, hope, faith, and joy will live on through all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Sarita is survived by her sons, David Hadley and Paul Hadley; Also by her “Surrogate Daughters,” Shelley Lincoln, and Vicki Miller along with her close lifelong friends from across the country.

A Celebration of Life will be held – officiated by Rev. Amber Armistead of Franklin, TN. Memorial donations in Sarita’s memory can be made to the Catholic Charities of Central Florida -1819 N Semoran Blvd Orlando, FL 32807