Carolyn Hernandez Zuniga

Born on January 28, 1924 in Dallas, TX, to J.D. and Paulita Gonzalez Hernandez, Carolyn grew up surrounded by faith, family and love. After attending St. Ann’s Catholic School in the “Little Mexico” area of downtown Dallas, Carolyn met the love of her life, Genaro R. Zuniga, in church. They married on September 20, 1942, just weeks before our dad would leave for basic training in California as a US Marine. For the next four years, Carolyn would split time living in Texas volunteering as a hospital Candy Striper and in California, working at a candy store, so she could be there when dad was able to take leave. After returning from the war in 1946 they started their life together in Dallas, celebrating 65+ years of marriage and being blessed with five children.

Carolyn was an amazing homemaker and stayed busy raising her five children, including her beloved son Ricky, who was mentally and physically challenged. Early on she and dad were very active in their support of The Notre Dame School of Dallas and The Alhambras, both organizations dedicated to assisting people with learning disabilities. Once Ricky passed in 1972, she registered for and ran an in-home daycare business, taking care of children for parents who couldn’t afford to pay expensive childcare rates. She became a 2nd mom to all of “her kids” and over time, many would come back just to visit! In her spare time she was a very active member of The Club Capri, the Guadalupanas (Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral), and supporting dad with his Knights of Columbus obligations. They were founding members of St. Monica Catholic Church where she would later serve as President of the Legion of Mary. When our dad passed away in 2008, Carolyn, at the age of 84, began volunteering at North Dallas Shared Ministries where she worked several different jobs well into her 90’s. She loved praying the rosary, baking, sewing and making trips to Joann’s Fabric Store, watching her game shows and Bonanza, playing poker with her comadres and compadres, her soap operas and of course Elvis. When asked the secret to longevity she would always credit attending daily mass, staying busy and not being afraid to enjoy a margarita or glass of wine!

Carolyn is preceded in death by her husband Genaro, sons Ricky and Gil, son in law Jesse Marquez, mother Paulita Hernandez, father J.D. Hernandez, brothers Rudy Hernandez and Joe Hernandez, and sisters Mary Ramirez, Connie Torres, Theresa Cortez and Paula Gonzales.

Carolyn is survived by daughters Linda Marquez and Paula Helmke and son Reymund Zuniga (Cynthia). She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren Marylinda Solis (Agustin), Jesse Marquez Jr, Kristina Carrion (Dezi), Tony Marquez, Krystal Zuniga, Natalie Anzalone- Zuniga (Ashley), Kara Faulkner (Andrew), Kathryn Van Valkenburg (Joe), Jonathon Zuniga (Carrie), 23 great grandchildren and 15 great-great grandchildren!

Family and friends are invited to attend the Visitation at St Monica Catholic Church, 9933 Midway Rd, Dallas, TX 75220, from 10:00- 11:00; Rosary from 11:00. - 11:30; Mass of Christian Burial from 11:30 - 12:30; Procession to Calvary Hill from 1:30 - 1:50.

Interment at Calvary Hill Cemetery, 3235 Lombardy Lane Dallas, TX 75220 at 2pm.