Celina Leon Hernandez

Celina Leon Hernandez (nee Villegas) was a caring mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She left this world peacefully and surrounded by love and her loving family on October 5, 2022 at the age of 88 at her home in Olympia, Washington.

She was born to Baltazar Leon De La Paz (+1954) and Carmen Villegas (+2007) on July 29, 1934 in the Hacienda Maravillas, Ciudad Manuel Doblado, in the state of Guanjuato, Mexico. She was married to Guillermo Hernandez (+1963) in 1955. They made their home in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico. Together they had two children: Guillermo and Celina. She became a widow at the age of 29. A few years later, she met Zenon Cortes (+1985) and together they had Martha.

Celina was an accomplished seamstress specializing in bridal fashion, and she was able to have a long career while living in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico. Many of her clients became like family and long-lasting friendships were forged.

In 1991 she migrated to Washington State and joined her daughter Celina in Olympia. Years later, her daughter Martha and son Guillermo alongside their families arrived in Olympia, and once again the family was reunited.

Celina joined Brairwood Farms in Rochester, Washington in 1992. She was recognized as an outstanding employee on several occasions. Her work was praised by coworkers, supervisors, and management on daily basis. Celina retired in December 2008.

Celina’s priority in life was to be with her children and grandchildren. She loved spending time with her family. The love for her family was evident and she took pride in being close with all of her nine siblings and their families. By being the oldest of the siblings she was seen as a mother figure to all of them.

Celina loved nature and truly enjoyed the outdoors, she also enjoyed sewing, knitting, and doing cross stitch. Celina was a selfless woman, and she would do anything for anyone that she came in contact with. Her kindness and her caring nature will live on with everyone that had the pleasure of knowing her.

Celina is survived by her three children, Guillermo (Maria Luisa) Hernandez; Celina (Richard+) Verme; Martha (Alfredo) Cortes from Olympia. Her grandchildren, Paulina (Steve) Luke from Richland Washington; Ricardo (Audrey) Hernandez; Julia (Zack) Newell; Alfredo Ramirez Cortes, and Martell Ramirez Cortes from Olympia.

Celina is also survived by her six brothers and three sisters, Baltazar (Virginia) Leon form Turlock, California; Eustolia (Jose+) Zaragoza from Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico; Juvenal (Carmen) Leon from Rochester, Washington; Jesus (Ida) Leon from Rochester, Washington; Juan (Rosa) Leon from Turlock, California; Guillermo (Diane) Leon from Olympia; Rigoberto (Abigail) Leon from Los Angeles, California; Graciela (Rodolfo) Lara from Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico; Consuelo (Kevin) Keller from Lacey, Washington; along with numerous nephews and nieces.

At her request, a funeral service will be held privately in Olympia, and a memorial service will be held in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico. In lieu of flower remembrances, donations can be made to Sacred Heart, Catholic Church and/or to Providence St. Peter’s Hospital.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millsandmillsfunerals.com for the Hernandez family.