Diana Elsie Hernandez

She was born on February 16th, 1947, in Rio Piedras Puerto Rico to the late Sebastian and Providence Castro. She moved to the United States with her parents and her siblings at the age of 7. She lived in the Lower East Side of Manhattan until she married in 1968.

Diana graduated from Washington Irving High school in New York City with a concentration in Fashion Design. She was a devout Christian and was immersed within the Christian community. She was the superintendent of the church Sunday school, a church marriage and mental health counselor,church Program Director, and conducted pastoral care visits to nursing homes, shelters, hospitals, and prisons.

Diana is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Victor Hernandez; her daughters Caprice McManus; Giselle Dean and her son Jason Hernandez. She was the proud grandmother of Victoria, Aaron, Nadia, and Tyler. She was also a great-grandmother to Hunter, Elizabeth, and Cooper.

Diana met Victor while working together in a jewelry store. From the very first moment he laid his eyes on her he thought to himself, “She is going to be my wife” and on their first date he vocalized this to her. In 1968 Victor was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam war. They married soon after and were stationed in Baumholder, Germany for one year. During this time, they enjoyed traveling to Luxembourg and France on weekends.

Diana was a loving and caring wife and mother. Family meant the world to her! She was a renowned cook of Spanish cuisine to her family and friends. She loved listening to Paul Anka’s songs. She also found pleasure in watching classic black and white movies, Blue Bloods, murder mysteries, and the Hallmark channel. At an early age, Diana was an animal lover, from her pet chicken, duck, dogs, and cats to the injured dove she saved in New York City. She even adored New York City pigeons.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm-2:00 pm in the Chapel of Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh NC 27612, on Friday, July 15th with a Funeral Service immediately following. Services will conclude with entombment in The Mausoleum of Raleigh Memorial Park. A hyperlink to a video of the services can be found below under DONATIONS for viewing afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Diana’s name to: Saving Grace Animals for Adoption NC, The 700 Club or the Pancreatic Cancer Research Foundations

To leave condolences for the family, or to share any fond memories of Diana, you may do so within "Add A Memory."

Flowers may be ordered through "Expressions of Love" Florist (919) 552-4512.