Gladys N. Hernandez

Gladys N. Hernandez passed away peacefully on the morning of May 25, 2017 at the age of 94. She was predeceased by her parents as well as her beloved husband of 66 years, George H. Hernandez, Jr. Gladys was also predeceased by two sons, George H. Hernandez, III and Charles C. Hernandez, as well as numerous cherished siblings and other beloved family members. Gladys is survived by her son David Hernandez and his wife Sandie, daughter Andrea Hernandez and her wife Lisa Maturo, daughter Claudia Hernandez, her grandchildren Olivia Hernandez, William Jackson, Cecelia Jackson, Hunter Hernandez-Maturo and Addison Hernandez-Maturo. Gladys is also survived by her sister Alice Laurita and her husband Louis, several beloved nieces and nephews, and longtime family friend and son Rev. Dr. James B. Herring.

Gladys N. Hernandez was born March 4, 1923 in Ponce, Puerto Rico. In September of that same year, Gladys, her mother, grandmother, and father arrived by boat to New York City. Gladys was primarily raised by her mother, Carmen Perez and her grandmother, Carmen Lopez de Victoria. Gladys was a young child, Spanish speaking, attending school at P.S. 170 M, where she learned to speak English. It was there that she met her very best friend, Gilda Van Sand. Their friendship lasted more than 70 years. As a teenager in the 1930’s, Gladys attended the High School of Music and Art in New York City. She studied opera and sang arias in French and German. One of her favorite memories was singing at Carnegie Hall. Her face would light up each time she told her story of that moment in her life. She would say, ”The lights came up and they were all standing and clapping for me.” She always felt that everyone should know that feeling. Gladys earned her Bachelors degree in Spanish from Hunter College in New York City, followed by her Masters in Education at St. Joseph College in West Hartford, and finally her sixth year certificate from the University of Hartford.

Gladys was known for her ability to tell a story with all the emotion she carried in her heart. In the early 1940’s, she worked at the New York Public Library as a storyteller in the children’s room. Gladys loved children, and has always been a strong advocate for them throughout her life.

In 1947 she went on a blind date and realized in an instant that she met the love of her life. In July of 1948, she and George were married and spent the next 66 years living an incredible life. Gladys had five children, 3 boys and two girls. The original plan was to have 2 children, a boy and a girl. As life has no guarantees, Gladys kept trying for her girl after having 3 boys. Finally they were blessed with one….and then another. Gladys once said that her children were her treasures….each one a pearl.

From 1948 to 1963, Gladys raised her family and also worked nights at Aetna Life and Casualty Company, while continuing her education. In 1969, her dream of being a teacher came true. She was a first grade bilingual educator at Barnard Brown School in the city of Hartford. Years later, she became the Assistant Coordinator of the Ann Street Bilingual School in downtown Hartford. After many years, the Ann Street School closed, and Gladys returned to the classroom, once again teaching first grade bilingual students until she retired in 1992.

During those years Gladys would face many triumphs and tragedies.

One of many proud moments for Gladys was when she was a witness for the desegregation lawsuit Sheff vs. O’Neill. Gladys has always fought for the children in the city of Hartford. She made clear the importance of every child having the same opportunities to receive an excellent education.

Every wonderful life comes with some sadness. This held true for Gladys as well. In April of 1988, Gladys learned that her eldest son George was diagnosed with Aids. She and her husband George immediately flew to California to be with their son. George III later passed in December of 1989. You need to be a very strong person to survive the loss of a child. In 1992, Gladys’ son Charles was diagnosed with HIV and later passed in March of 1993, the day before Gladys’ 70th Birthday. Gladys often said that it was her faith in God, the loving support of her husband, family and friends that gave her the strength to survive this tremendous heartbreak. Gladys was a member of Center Church in Hartford for more than 50 years. Her faith family has always been instrumental in her strength and healing.

Gladys was an active member participating on several boards and committees. She strongly advocated for Center Church to become Open and Affirming more than 20 years ago. When the vote was “YES” she wept with joy!

During Gladys’ life and retirement years she kept herself quite busy with several wonderful organizations. She was on the board of the Hartford Region YWCA and CT Valley Girl Scouts. Gladys also served as a board member for La Casa de Puerto Rico, the Institute for Hispanic Family, the CT Education Association, National Conference of Puerto Rican Women, Larrabee Foundation, and Lioness Club. Gladys also served on the board and helped to form Guakia Inc., a cultural center for Hispanic Youth. Her contributions to the children of the city of Hartford and the community did not go unnoticed. Over the years, Gladys has received numerous awards and citations from the many of these organizations. The Ct Valley Girl Scouts Council awarded the “Woman of Merit” to Gladys in 1998. In 1999, she received an award from CT Women’s Education and Legal Fund for her work in advancing women’s rights. In 1992, She received a letter of congratulations from the United States Senate on her retirement. The City of Hartford also awarded her the honor of “Educator of the Year.” In 1997, Gladys received the Courants’ “Citizen of the Year” award for contributing to the community as well as the cities stability, progress and job base. In 1996, She received the Walter J. “Doc” Hurley Sr. award for her contributions to the community. Also upon her retirement, Gladys received letters of recognition and congratulations from the United States Congress and Senate. In 2012, Gladys received an award from the Latinas and Power Symposium, “The Latina Lifetime Achievement”, accompanied by an official citation from the State of CT General Assembly congratulating her for being a constant voice of the children and underserved, and for her service to the community. Last but certainly not least, an award that she was incredibly proud of the “Living Waters” award given by The United Church of Christ CT Chapter, for her many years of faithful service to God and her community.

Gladys has lived a truly amazing and fulfilling life. She was an educator, activist, child advocate, organizer and community leader. Certainly a life well lived. Gladys was also a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt and grandmother. The unconditional love that she has shown, not only to her own family, but to all who knew her will always be a shining example of the truly extraordinary person she was. Heaven has truly received an angel. May God Bless her on her journey home.

There will be a celebration of Gladys’ life on Thursday, June 1, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield, followed with a burial at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 from 4-7 at the funeral chapel. Donations in her memory can be made to Center Church Camp Asto Wamah, 60 Gold Street Hartford, CT 06183. Please visit www.desopo.com for online expressions of sympathy to the family or to read the full obituary detailing Gladys’ life.