Vidalia Hernandez Torres

Vidalia Hernandez (Yaya), passed away on August 25, 2022 in Raleigh, NC at the age of 68. Yaya was born in Guanica, Puerto Rico on January 28, 1954. She celebrated 54 years of marriage to Victor Torres this year. Promptly after getting together, the two settled in the Bronx, NY. Together they nurtured a family consisting of 5 Daughters, 7 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren.

Vidalia was more than just an amazing mother, grandmother, and wife. She was kind, caring, selfless, generous, and a fierce protector of her loved ones. When someone needed a home, she opened hers, when money was needed, she would give whatever she had, and when a mother was needed, she was born ready to be mami. Yaya had a personality that matched her big heart. Vidalia was a true aquarius with many different talents and hobbies to take up her time including: cooking, learning about different cultures, antique collecting, singing karaoke, playing bingo, driving, travelling, hosting parties, working on arts and crafts, gardening, watching scary movies, telling stories, and being surrounded by family. Vidalia was always so full of love and that even extended to animals. Vidalia loved animals so much that she even considered Otis Torres and Ali and Nina Smith her furry dog grandchildren. Vidalia loved an adventure, especially when accompanied by her many grandchildren. From Playland road trips to vacations in Puerto Rico, she made memories that will be passed as far down as her great, great grandchildren who she’ll never know. She was always the life of the party and was happiest when all of her children and grandchildren were under the same roof. Vidalia instilled her love for karaoke, adventure, and cooking in her loved ones. Vidalia’s descendants will have more than just memories to share as her recipes will continue to be passed down including her pastelon, pasteles, turkey, pernil, stuffing, sofrito and her famous arroz con dulce.

Vidalia will be sorely missed by her husband (Victor Torres), children (Ana Victoria Martinez, Maria E. Hernandez, Mariella Torres, Vanessa Sanchez, Valerie Torres Hernandez, Victor Martinez, and Tomas Hernandez), grandchildren (Lauren Martinez, Ashley Martinez, Melissa Hernandez, Matthew Martinez, Kimberly Marrero, and Jeffrey Jr. Marrero), great grandchildren (Ariana Santana, Timora Kaleemah Smith, Jaiden Victor Tomas Hernandez, Serenity Faith Hernandez, Elijah Dumois, Isaac Santana, Mateo Martinez, and Elena Dumois), and sisters (Iris Ramirez, Lucia Alvarado, Caridad Hernandez, and Doris Hernandez).

She will be welcomed into paradise by her father (Jesus Hernandez), Mother, (Conrada Rodriguez), son (Victor Torres Jr.), grandson (Victor Tomas Hernandez), brothers (Ramon Hernandez, Jesus Hernandez Jr., Angel Hernandez, and Felix Hernandez), and sister (Ramona Rodriguez).

The celebration of life will be held on Thursday, September 1st at 3pm at Brown Wynne Funeral Home at 1701 E. Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27609. Visitation will be held from 4-6pm.

Floral arrangements can be made to Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 E. Millbrook Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27609. Please call Mariella Torres (787 543 3242) or Melissa Hernandez (914 308 1133) if information is needed about the service.

The family of Vidalia Hernandez wishes to thank all of the nurses and doctors who contributed to Yaya’s care over the last three years.

“Mom I still see your face before me

Your voice I long to hear

I miss and love you dearly

God knows, I wish you were here.

Tears fall freely from my eyes like a river filled with grief

My only comfort now is that from pain you've found relief

Missing You Always.”

Officiant: Father Larry

Pallbearers: Victor, Freddy Santana, Tyree Smith, Matthew, Elie Dumois, Bobby

A funeral service for Vidalia will be held Thursday, September 1, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 East Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27609, followed by a visitation from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownwynneeastmillbrook.com for the Hernandez Torres family.