Ines De los Santos Fernandes

Born on Valentine’s Day, 1948 in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico to Jose Ines De los Santos and Ana Louisa Davila De los Santos, Ines was truly "born to love." As the eldest of four children, she moved with her family from Puerto Rico to the Bronx, New York, eventually settling in the Red Hook Projects in Brooklyn. Ines graduated from St. Michael's Diocesan Catholic School, where she met her lifelong best friend, Elizabeth (Beth) Van Sluytman. In December 1963, Beth invited Ines to a birthday party for her young cousin, Valerie. It was there that Ines met Michael G. Fernandes. The two were married on June 25, 1966, beginning a life together that would span decades.

Michael and Ines raised eight children together, residing in New York, Florida, and Georgia. While Ines was often quiet and demure alongside Michael’s force-of-nature personality, she was equally spicy and charismatic. A woman of few words, she was known for her directness and sharp one-liners. Together, they were a dynamic and unforgettable couple who shared a profound, unstoppable love.

Ines was an extremely proud Puerto Rican who grew up in a close-knit Brooklyn family rich in love, respect, and tradition. Her family meant the world to her, and she maintained the deepest respect for her parents and siblings. She was the cornerstone of her family—someone who could always be counted on to help in any way she could.

Two things became immediately clear to anyone who met Ines: she was fiercely proud of her heritage, and she was the mother of eight children. As a mother, she was the holder of secrets; though all eight children believed they were her favorite, her sons held a particularly special place in her heart. They were the last men she would ever love.

Ines is preceded in death by her parents, Jose Ines De los Santos and Ana Louisa Davila De los Santos as well as her sister Miguelina Brown. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Michael G. Fernandes and her children, Teresa Lyn Fernandes and Christine Ann Fernandes and grandson William Elliot Motley and other treasured family members who welcome her home.

Ines is survived by her children, Lisa Marie Fernandes, Maria Ines Fernandes, Michael Gordon Fernandes II, Maurice Vivian Fernandes II, Diana Carmalita Fernandes and Victoria Olivia Fernandes, 16 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren and a host of family and friends.

In later years, Ines became an active member of the Red Hatters Society in Henry County, Georgia, while attending the local Senior Center. The Red Hatters Society will carry her memory in their hearts forever.

Ines was deeply loved and dedicated her life to the happiness of her husband and children. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten.