Maria de la Luz Ruiz Hernandez

Born on July 15, 1931, in Austin, Texas, she was raised in a devout Catholic family, where faith was the foundation of daily life. Encouraged to join the convent in her teen years, she devoted 20 years of her life to the Sisters of the Sacred Heart before deciding that she had a different calling.

Though she left the convent, her faith remained steadfast. She worked in various roles throughout her life, always bringing joy and warmth to those around her. Whether working at her brother’s restaurant, sharing laughs with her cousin at a photomat store, or treating her family (and even their farm animals) to nightly donuts from her job as a baker at Dunkin’ Donuts, she had a way of making the simplest moments special. Her favorite and longest-held job was at the Grotto Gift Shop on the grounds of the Oblate Renewal Center in San Antonio, where she formed lifelong friendships and became a beloved presence among the priests of the Archdiocese.

Tia Lucy was a woman of many talents. She loved crafting and often gifted her loved ones with handmade macramé, ceramics, and decoupage treasures. She was also an exceptional baker, known for her cookies, cream puffs, and candies, and her Christmas polvorones and buñuelos were cherished (and often fought over) by her family.

She also had a deep love for animals. She had a beloved parakeet for many, many years and when she moved in with family, quickly became attached to their menagerie of dogs and a cat, especially Tipsy who was her constant sidekick. Mealtimes became a shared event, with the pets surrounding her, knowing she would sneak them a treat. She had a habit of sharing her Lifesavers candies with them. When asked not to, she simply replied, “All you said was that I can’t give them chocolate.” Her gentle spirit and playful nature made her a favorite not just among people, but among her four-legged companions as well.

Her sharp mind and sense of humor made her a joy to be around. Even at 93, she could outmatch her family in board games and dominoes, much to everyone's amusement.

She lived a full and meaningful life, and while our hearts weren’t ready to say goodbye, she was at peace and ready to go home.

She was preceded in death by her parents, David and Urbana Ruiz; her siblings, Johnny Ruiz, Jesse Ruiz (Obdulia), Manuel Ruiz (Felicita), Elizabeth Ruiz Garcia (Willie), sister, Guadalupe Ruiz, SSCJ; and her beloved son, Michael Anthony Hernandez.

She is survived by her brother, Miguel Ruiz, her beloved granddaughter, Alyssa Marie Hernandez, and numerous nieces and nephews who adored her.

Tia Lucy’s kindness, faith, and laughter will forever be remembered by all who knew and loved her.