Myra M. Hernandez

Born and raised in Illinois, she spent her life devoted to her family and community. She was a woman of quiet strength, endless kindness, always ready with a warm smile, a listening ear, or a gentle word of encouragement. Myra lived by the belief that you never have room in your heart for hate.

Myra worked as an administrative assistant at both Packard and Johnson & Johnson companies. Myra was a Life Member of the Puffer-Hefty PTA, Life Member of Girl Scouts, and an active member of two Red Hat Society groups.

Family was her greatest passion, however, she also had a passion for the arts, photography, learning new things, eating anything with cheese on it and being adventurous outdoors. At 63, she went skydiving and even went ziplining in her 70’s. Myra was a fantastic role model. Her 53 year marriage to her high school sweetheart, Tom, demonstrated first hand the importance of compassion, resilience, communication, love and caring for one another.

She was the proud mother of four children Thomas Hernandez Jr. (Pam), Kathleen Hernandez, Mary (Robert Ruschke Sr.) and Robert Hernandez (Margaret) who were the center of her world. Her love extended even further to her many grandchildren Christopher Hernandez (Michelle), Roberta Ruschke (Xavier Tuggles), Jessica (Gary Krusenoski), Devin Hernandez (Alexandra), Thomas Ruschke (Megan), Emily (Dylan Bridges), Robert Ruschke Jr., Connor Hernandez, Molly Hernandez, and Erin, Hernandez — each of whom held a special place in her heart. Her love continued to blossom with the birth of each of her great-grandkids. Eli Tuggles, Darwin Hernandez, Ziggy Tuggles, Amara Tuggles, Ethan Krusenoski, Fern Hernandez, Marleigh Hernandez, Kelly Krusenoski, Tucker Hernandez, Alexandra Ruschke, Julie Krusenoski, Bowan Hernandez, Miles Bridges, Charlotte Ruschke and Parker Bridges. She delighted in their accomplishments, comforted them in their struggles, and celebrated every milestone with joy. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will remember her as a source of wisdom, patience, and unconditional love.

Myra is also survived by her sisters, brother in laws, sister in laws, many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her loving husband Thomas Hernandez Sr., her parents Raymond Penzel and Margaret Buck, step-mother Lorainne Penzel, Sister LaDona LoCiero and step-brother John Penzel.

Beyond her family, she touched the lives of many with her kindness. Friends and neighbors knew her as someone who could be counted on, whether it was lending a hand, offering words of comfort, or sharing her knowledge. She lived her life with humility and grace, leaving behind a legacy of love that will not be forgotten. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit will live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at First Congregational Church, 1047 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515.

Visitation is from 10:00am to 11:00am. The service will start at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages acts of kindness in her honor; a gesture she would have treasured.