Yolanda Hernández was a remarkable woman whose very presence invaded your space with warmth and radiance. Her smile alone could light up a room as it shined brightly with kindness, love and generosity.
She died earlier today, peacefully, and surrounded by family.
Yoli, as she was known to all who knew and loved her, was a woman of faith, a daughter, a sister, a mother, a grandmother, a dear friend and community leader, an advocate, mentor and a fighter for life. She was a rare gift and blessing in many people’s lives. She continued to touch and uplift those she came in contact with throughout her life.
When she cared and trusted you, she shared openly of herself, her past, present and her hopes and dreams for the future. Those dreams and aspirations included the best for her children, grandchildren and her significant other, Art, whom she loved with all her heart.
I cannot express how much I enjoyed working with her, partnering with her and how I treasured our friendship. When she worked at Casa de la Familia, we noticed her extraordinary level of dedication supporting victims of crime. Yoli also partnered with us at the Quarterly Round Table meetings where service providers can speak openly and freely as to what works . . . and what could work better. In both capacities, she was selfless with her time, her energy, and her wonderfully compassionate soul.
I cherished the times that we shared meals together. We enjoyed the food and talked about each bite and the taste and she would even order pancakes with strawberries and bananas with whipped cream after the meal. She said we only live once and should enjoy. I’m glad we did.
She had an indomitable spirit.
Yoli emerged from devastating tragedies with more compassion, wisdom and desire to keep on giving. Here’s what a former employer, Dr. Ana Nogales, said about her: “I’m very lucky because life allowed me to find her on my path. I admire her fortitude and determination, it has filled me with energy in the most difficult moments.”
And of course she had been battling her cancer, bravely, boldly and with Faith for 2 ½ years.
Here’s what Yoli said about facing the death of family members and all of life’s adversities; “They say the strength of a hull on a boat is never known until it has weathered many storms. Transitions in life are similar to storms in that they test the integrity of our character.”
I will sincerely miss her smile, laughter, directness, honesty, respect and love that she shared. Also a woman of faith, I will miss our time for prayer and reflection and sharing this with a mutual understanding.
Having seen her just a couple weeks ago has left me speechless and saddened to know, we will not have that time again, until we meet again in heaven. I will treasure that time forever…
Yoli, I hope you know that I loved you and will love and hold you in my heart and soul and do my best to continue on with our shared mission of helping others. You were such an incredible and amazing woman and your example will always be there for us.
To Art, her children and the grandchildren: She will enter Heaven with full credentials and be free from any pain, anger, hurt or regret. She will reunite with her loved ones that have gone before and will now be an angel watching over you, the children, grandchildren, me and many more.
I am so sorry for your loss, but happy for Heaven’s gain.
Cariñosamente, Patricia
