Maria Luisa Hernandez, 98, entered the presence of the Lord on Friday, May 19th at 11:15 pm, peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones. Maria was a faithful woman who loved the Lord, her family, her church (St Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother), and her friends.
Maria was born in Caguas, PR to Domingo Calderon and Francisca Ramos and was happily married to Antonio Hernandez.
Maria was a committed servant and follower of Jesus Christ. She was devoted to her sons and their families and delighted to spend time with them. Maria faithfully and joyfully served in many capacities in her church as a servant of the Lord and enjoyed making sure the church was always presentable to the smallest detail. Maria loved to instruct those who were preparing to receive the sacraments or to become Catholics since the time RCIA began. Maria would bring the Eucharist to shut-ins even after her double knee surgery. Maria gave so much to her Parish and yet managed a full measure of devotion to her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Maria will also be remembered for her hospitality. Maria loved to cook for Parish functions. Her home was always open to family, friends and neighbors and one would always be encouraged to enjoy her incredible cooking. You would never leave her home, hungry.
Maria was preceded to Glory by her husband Antonio Hernandez, her grandchild Jason Soto, her siblings Cacalena, Dominga (Minga), Damiana (Nana), Josephina (Sefa), Mare Elvira, Maria Angela (Mare’), Ramonita (Monin), Jose (Pepo), Roberto (Rube) and Aida.
Maria is survived by sons Michael Soto (Rebecca) & Robert Soto (Maria); her Grandchildren Jeff Soto (Stacy), Jennifer Soto (Russell), Yezebel Manaloto (Michael) and Raymond Soto and her Great Grandchildren Logan Soto, Mia Soto, Amelia Benson, Gavin Soto, Jackson Manaloto, Noah Manaloto and Maya Manaloto ; Siblings Francisca (Panchi), Awilda and Bievenido (Pelon) as well as countless nieces and nephews.
Maria was a godly woman and an incredibly strong woman. She would spend hours each night, quietly praying by name, for her entire family, friends and her close friends she affectionately called “Las Muchachas”. No doubt she is still praying for us all; even now.
Maria left a legacy to her family of God’s amazing love and grace and was an example to all who knew her. We celebrate her life and rejoice in the Holy Scripture and God’s word.
Matthew 25:23: His lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.”
In Lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to her church, St Gabriel in Maria’s name, where she was a long-time parishioner and servant.
Reposing
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 – 3pm to 8pm
Conway Funeral Home
41-45 58th Street, Woodside, New York 11377
718 639-3220
Mass of Christian Burial
St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother RC Church
26-26 98th Street, East Elmhurst, New York 11369
Thursday, June 1, 2023 – 10am
Interment
St. John’s Cemetery, Middle Village, New York
Section 27 – Range B – Grave 80
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