Obituary of Mary T. "Tia Mary Hernandez

Hernandez, Mary T. "Tia Mary" of Saginaw, Michigan Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 20, 2017 at her home with her family by her side. She was 91 years old. Maria de la Luz Torrez was born on February 3, 1926 in Piedras Negras, Mexico, she was raised by her grandparents the late Bernabe and Herlinda Alejandra (Martinez) Torrez. She married Rudolph A. Hernandez on October 25, 1947; he preceded her in death on April 12, 1981. Mary worked as a cook at both the A&W on E. Genesee and Old Town Drive-in for over 30 years. She was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Mary was a die-hard Elvis Presley fan, attending two concerts and eventually traveling to Graceland. She was an avid Detroit Tigers fan and loved gardening, especially caring for her roses. Mary was known throughout the city for making and selling the best tamales. She will forever be remembered for her soft spoken kind hearted demeanor; as well as her keen sense of humor. Surviving are a daughter and son: Alice H. Prill of Saginaw and Rudolph T. Hernandez of Saginaw; three grandchildren: Shanna Marie (John) Bleeden, Deborah Lyn (John) Sciortino, Rudolph T. Hernandez, III; nine great-grandchildren: Jake Presley Bleeden, Calix Reede Bleeden, Rudy T. Hernandez, IV, Alexis Marie Hernandez, Anna Hernandez, Lily Hernandez, Addison Maria Hernandez, Prescilla Jovina-Leigh Hernandez and Jacqueline Mae Hernandez; and one brother and one sister: Rodolfo Astran and Gloria Astran. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mary's special nieces and nephews: Ramiro and Angela Torrez and their son, Ramiro, and Maria "Malena" and her daughter, Felina Torrez. Also surviving are many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her birth mother, Andrea Astran; husband, Rudolph A. Hernandez; a son-in-law, Paul S. Prill; five brothers and three sisters: Carlos Torres, Reymundo Astran, Margarita Astran, Faustino Torrez, Sr., Julia Torrez, Jose Torrez, Sr., Manuel Torrez, Sr. and Reynalda Torrez. FUNERAL: A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 25, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 910 N. Sixth Ave. Rev. Fr. Francis Voris, OFM Cap will officiate. Rite of Committal will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. VISTATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday evening. Mary will lie in state at the church on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Joseph Catholic Church. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.