Miriam Josefa Fernandez

Miriam Josefa Hernandez was born January 28, 1946 in Cienfuegos, Cuba. As a young girl, she loved to roller skate and perform in her school's marching band. At age 14, she had to leave her beloved country and grandparents to begin a new life in the United States. Chicago was a very different place from where she came, a large city with skyscrapers and brick buildings, a new language, people and foods. She immersed herself in television and radio, watching American Bandstand, 77 Sunset Strip and the Garry Moore Show that were among her favorites to help her learn English and more about the culture. She attended St Sebastian High School and during that time met her future husband Alfonso Fernandez at a friend's 16th birthday party. Miriam and Al were married September 26, 1964 and in 1967, welcomed their first child, Ivette.

In 1974, they began a new adventure, moving out west to fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada. Miriam landed a job with EG&G, a contractor who partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy, and was with them for over 25 years. In 1977, another little bundle of joy came along, Sandra. Together with Al, she enjoyed family trips with the girls visiting numerous areas including California, Utah, Arizona, and Mexico.

Miriam and Al retired and moved to Florida in 2003 to be closer to and enjoy more time with their daughters and grandchildren, Heidi, Erik and Natalie. Miriam loved going to the beach, visiting extended family in the Miami area, scrapbooking and cuddling with Lancy, the newest adopted feline addition to the family.

Miriam passed peacefully Sunday morning, December 22, 2019 at Vitas Hospice in Longwood, Florida. She will be greatly missed by Al, after more than 55 years of love and marriage together, her daughters, grandchildren and all who knew her. You will always be in our hearts. Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, Jan.11 at 3pm at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, Oaklawn Chapel, 5000 County Road 46A, Sanford 32771