Thelma Hernandez

Thelma Hernandez, 84, of Tampa, passed away on Monday, January 14th surrounded by family and friends at home. She is survived by her daughter, Diane Scott and her son, Richard Hernandez and his wife, Sheila, and her best friend, Norma Mayor (“Goodbye, Dahling”). She has five grandchildren, Jessica Schultz, Paul Schultz, and Emily Mattes (Gary) and Randy Hernandez (Kathleen) and Matthew Hernandez (Kelly), as well as four great-grandchildren, Zoey, Daxton, Erin, and Morgan, with one more on the way.

She was born in Tampa, Florida to Oscar Varon and Dora Martinez. A graduate of Hillsborough High School, Thelma was extremely involved at St. Joseph’s Church in West Tampa. She was a serologist for the Florida State Department of Health in Tampa for thirty-five years.

Thelma and Bill were married fifty-nine years. They traveled extensively during their lives and one of their most favorite places to go was Pisgah View Ranch with the entire family. She was an amazing cook and a wonderful mother and Abuela.

Pallbearers for the service are Richard, Randy and, Matthew Hernandez, Paul Schultz, Gary Mattes, Christian and Michael Ferlita. Honorary Pallbearers are Frank Ferlita, Gene Brito, Ron Hernandez, Sindo Mayor, Michael Blanchard, and Jeff Campbell.

A wake will be held at Gonzalez Funeral Home, 7209 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa, on Wednesday, January 16th from 5:00 until 8:00PM. A mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Friday, January 18th at 10:00AM, with interment to follow at Centro Asturiano Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Lifepath Hospice and Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch.