Rosalie M Hernandez

Leah was born in Bakersfield, CA, on December 25, 1928. She was the third of eleven children of Fred A. Lopez I and Lillian Gallegos. The Lopez family with New Mexican roots dated back to the 17th century, moved to San Bernardino in 1935. It was here the Lopez family became part of the community fabric by attending schools, colleges, and through meaningful employment in service to society. It was not easy growing up during the Great Depression and the turmoil of World War II with limited resources.

While working at a neighborhood market, Leah met a young returning soldier, Arturo E. ‘Tudy’ Hernandez, who she would marry in 1946. In January, 1947, their son, Andrew ‘Andy’ was born, despite a difficult birth that left both Leah and Andy’s survival in question. In August, 1951, Tudy and Leah welcomed daughter Cecelia Audrey and in September, 1957 daughter Frances Anne.

Employed as an Operating Engineer, Tudy worked on freeways, air fields, and dams all throughout California. The family lived in a trailer to be close to his work. While the family often relocated, Leah adjusted to new surroundings and her outgoing personality made it easy to meet new friends. Shortly after the birth of Francis, the family returned to the Inland Empire, eventually settling on Encina Ave. in Rialto. Tudy and Leah would live in that home together until his passing on January 7, 1989, and her passing on January 7, 2024, exactly 35 years apart.

Loving and helping others was one of Leah’s core beliefs, exemplified through volunteer work and her gifts and talents of writing, cooking and sewing. Throughout her life, Leah was involved in Girl Scouts, spent two generations helping at J.C. Boyd Elementary School and volunteered at San Bernardino Community Hospital for over 25 years. Ever inclusive, she welcomed all into her home, especially in her kitchen. “Leah’s Kitchen” was a family and neighborhood favorite for comforting home cooked meals and gatherings. Leah was a skilled seamstress, and sewed countless costumes, blankets, stuffed balls and dolls for family and friends. She practiced her craft well into her 90’s. Leah loved writing and sending hand written cards and notes, always signing them, “ Love, Leah and Tudy”.

Leah was an example of what a great person can be without pretense or recompense. She was unassuming of all and made everyone around her a better person.

Leah is preceded in death by infant sister Ernestine, older sister Ruth Vasquez, younger sister Lucy Haro and brothers Roy Lopez, Orlando Lopez, and most recently, older brother Manuel Lopez. Also preceding her in death is her beloved grandson, John C. Brewart.

Leah is survived by younger brothers Fred Lopez II, and Jack Lopez, of San Bernardino, CA, Anthony Lopez, of New Haven, CT and younger sister Gracie Vasquez, of Rialto, CA; son Andy and Sylvia Hernandez of San Bernardino, CA; daughters Cecelia Brewart of Upland, CA, and Frances Carter of Highland, CA; grandchildren Maria, Michael and Amira Brewart, Adam Carter, Aaron, Alexander and Andrea Hernandez; and great grandchildren John, Abigail, Tiffany and Julie.

Services for Leah will be held Tuesday, January 23, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at St Bernardine Church, 531 North F Street, San Bernardino, CA 92410.

A committal service will occur Tuesday, January 23, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 570 East Highland Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92404.