Karina Fernandez

Karina Fernandez Posada shared her radiant grace and her joyful spirit with those around her during all of her 42 years. Those who knew her loved her kindness, her sense of humor, her quiet strength, and her glorious, warm smile. She lived an impeccable life, giving generously of her time and talents and always striving to make people smile, which she often did by sharing her unforgettable, delightful laughter. She and her parents were especially close; she filled their lives with joy as their beloved daughter and best friend. She found strength in her devotion to her Catholic faith. She endured cancer without complaint. Her years-long struggle has ended, but her spirit and her legacy of love endure.

Karina was born on May 15, 1978 in Houston, Texas to Mrs. Beatriz and Dr. Fabio Fernandez. She attended Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart for grade school and St. Agnes Academy for high school, graduating in 1996. Karina then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she studied business. During her time at UT, she was involved with the Association of Latin American Students, and with Longhorn Awakening at the Catholic Center on campus. She did an internship with a bank in Paris during one delightful summer in 1998. She graduated in December of 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She continued her studies at UT Austin and earned a Bachelor of Arts in 2003. She worked in marketing at Motorola in Austin.

Karina was deeply devoted to her faith and to the Catholic Church. She served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Houston. She was also very involved in the youth group there, and she participated in a mission trip to Guatemala.

From a very young age, Karina developed friendships that endure to this day. Many of her friends called her by her nickname, Pina. All of them remember her positivity, her radiant smile, her sense of humor, her gentle strength, and her benevolent grace. The Fernandez family would like to give thanks to all of Karina’s cherished friends; your steadfast support brought joy to Karina and her family throughout the years and in her final days.

Karina Fernandez was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ernesto Fernandez, Ana Tobar de Fernandez, Rafael Posada, and Elvira Sepúlveda de Posada, all of Colombia. She leaves behind her loving parents, Dr. Fabio Fernandez and Mrs. Beatriz Posada de Fernandez.

The Fernandez family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Melissa Montoya Celi, who was both a lifelong friend and Karina’s primary physician. They also wish to thank Dr. Jay-Jiguang Zhu of Memorial Hermann, who guided Karina through her cancer treatment.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Memorial Hermann Cancer Services in Karina’s honor. Donations may be made to Memorial Hermann online at www.memorialhermann.org/donate, by mail to 929 Gessner, Suite 2650, Houston, TX 77024, or by phone at (713) 242-4400.

Memorial services in celebration of Karina’s life will be arranged shortly and details will be provided at that time. Please contact Memorial Oaks Funeral home at 281-497-2210 for further information.