Martina Hernandez, a matriarch of unwavering strength and boundless love, passed away at the age of 97 on June 7, 2024, at Cottage in the Meadow in Yakima, WA. Born Martina Medina in Corpus Christi, TX, the only child of Felix and Elizenda Medina, she was the cornerstone of a family that grew and flourished through her dedication and warmth.
The Medina family’s journey from Texas to Mabton, WA, in 1942 marked the beginning of a new chapter, where Martina met her beloved husband, Cesareo Hernandez. Their union blossomed into a family of 11 children, a testament to their love and commitment. Despite the heartbreak of Cesareo’s passing in 1967, Martina’s resilience shone through as she moved her family to Yakima, WA. There, she pursued education and a career that reflected her tenacity and desire to provide for her family.
Martina’s professional life was marked by service to others, first at the Yakima County Courthouse and later at the Department of Social and Health Services. Her passion for helping others continued into retirement as she became a licensed Spanish translator, bridging communication gaps and enriching the lives of those she assisted.
This proud Tejana born girl had a life-long love of traditions of family, faith and culture. She loved music, dance, travel, gardening, crocheting, spending time with friends and cherished moments with her children and grandchildren either at their games, birthdays, and many special events. Her annual Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween parties and Christmas gatherings were events her grandchildren looked forward to every year. Martina’s favorite place was at her timeshare in Puerto Vallarta, where she would spend time with family and special local friends who she met along the way. Whether it was the Malecon, Sheraton Fiesta & Sunday brunches, or enjoying Mariachi’s serenading her at the beach, Puerto was her paradise. She also lived out her dream of visiting the Holy Land with her dear friends.
Martina was a devoted and active member of St. Paul’s Cathedral, devoting her time and energy, along with meeting many lifelong friends. Her life was an inspiration to many, she will be deeply missed and always remembered.
Martina was preceded in death by her husband Cesareo Hernandez; her parents, Felix and Elizenda Medina; daughter Maribel Hernandez-Green and her sons-in-law, Francisco Salinas, and Jerry Milden. Martina is survived by her children, Caesar & Alice Hernandez, of Renton; Ruben Hernandez, of Yakima; Arnold & Norma Hernandez, of Toppenish; Reynaldo & Alicia Hernandez of Kennewick; Sylvia & Francisco Maltos, of Toppenish; Marina (Nina) Salinas, of Yakima; Delia Milden of Yakima; Mary Ellen Hernandez of Yakima; Felix (Mike) & Karen Hernandez of Yakima; and Angela (Mimi) Hernandez of Seattle, along with 36 grandchildren, 59 great grandchildren, and 8 great great grandchildren.
The Hernandez family would like to thank the first responders, Multicare Memorial Hospital and Cottage in the Meadow–all doctors, nurses and staff who supported Mom during this time.
A Viewing for Martina will be held Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a Vigil at 5:30 PM and a Rosary at 6:30 PM at Langevin El Paraiso Funeral Home, 1010 West Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98902. A Memorial Service will occur Friday, June 21, 2024 10:00 AM at St. Paul Cathedral, 15 S 12th Ave, Yakima, WA 98902 with a Reception to follow at St Paul Cathedral. Interment will follow at Toppenish Elmwood Cemetery at 3:00 PM, 530 Elmwood Rd. Toppenish, WA 98948
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