Aurora Z. Hernandez

She was born on October 13, 1938, in San Andrés Calera, Guanajuato, Mexico, to Librada Botello and Ignacio Zavala. Aurora attended Lázaro Cárdenas Elementary School.

Aurora met the love of her life, Jose Z. Hernandez, in Brownsville, Texas, and they were married on April 17, 1960.

Throughout her life, Aurora worked in several roles. Her first job was in a shrimp processing plant, and later she worked in the distribution warehouse for Weiner’s Department Stores. She was also an entrepreneur at heart—selling Avon, Princess House, Mason Shoes, Tupperware, and Home Interior Décor. Additionally, in the 1970s, she started her own ride-sharing business long before the concept was common. Aurora was also a proud member of the Harvest Years organization at Assumption Catholic Church for many years.

Aurora’s greatest passion was her family. She poured her heart into creating a home filled with love, strength, and warmth. Whether she was cooking a favorite meal, offering advice, or simply sitting and listening, she had a way of making those around her feel special. Her second passion was tending her garden, often with her husband, Jose, right beside her. Blessed with a natural green thumb, she could coax life from even the most stubborn soil or the most fragile plant. But gardening was never a solitary joy—Jose shared in it with her, offering support, and a lot of laughter. Their teamwork and shared care made the garden flourish. Her yard was always full of vibrant colors and beautiful blooms, each plant lovingly tended. Caring for her flowers brought her peace and joy, and her garden became a place where she found comfort, laughter, and sometimes a quiet happiness.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Librada Botello, her father, Ignacio Zavala, and her sisters Aurora (sister of the same name), Asunción, Concepción, Francisca, and Teresa.

She is survived by her husband of sixty-five years, Jose Z. Hernandez; her daughter, Maria Antonia Martinez; and her sons, Jose Alejandro Hernandez and wife, Sherry Lee; Esteban Hernandez and wife, Jennifer Kay; and Ernesto Hernandez and wife, Beverly Kay.

Her grandchildren include Candice, Alura, Christopher, Jenny, Felix, Vincent, Adrian, Erica, Aurelia, Matthew, and Nathan, along with several great-grandchildren.

Serving as pallbearers will be Felix Leonel Hernandez, Adrian Gilberto Hernandez, Marcus Daniel Rodriguez, Christopher Esteban Hernandez, Jacob David Bosworth, Eric Ernesto Vargas, Dexter Joseph Vargas, and Adriack Jeraan (A.J.) Maldonado.