Dolly Hernandez, 81, of Tracy, California, passed away after a brief illness on December 21, 2022, surrounded by family. Dolly was born on October 13, 1941, in New York, NY, to Rafael and Blanche Rodriguez. Although Dolly spent her childhood years in New York, the family ultimately made the trek to the West Coast, where they called the Bay Area home.
Dolly loved Latin music and oldies. Dolly's love of music and dancing led to one momentous night at a local dance in Hayward, CA, where she met the love of her life, Manuel Hernandez. They knew they had found something special in each other and soon married. Dolly and Manuel had a beautiful marriage that lasted for over 50 years until her passing. Dolly was the proud mother of eight children and four grandchildren. Even with her large family, for 25 years, Dolly had enough love to welcome hundreds of foster children into her Union City, CA, home, where she lived for 47 years. Many stayed overnight, while others lived with her for years. It was not uncommon for foster children, now adults, to remain active in Dolly's life and lovingly refer to her as "Mom."
Later in life, two of Dolly's greatest delights were her love for the slot machines and her fur babies. Dolly's nickname could have easily been "Lady Luck," as she had an incredible knack for the slots, a skill her children hope to inherit. Dolly also developed a love of mini dachshunds, so much so that she became an affectionate breeder. Imagine a house full of adorable mini wiener dogs; that was Dolly's home.
Dolly is survived by her husband, Manuel Hernandez; her children, Daniel Hernandez, Tina Marie Hernandez, Richard Hernandez, Lisa Hernandez, Manuel Hernandez Jr., Dolly (Nena) Hernandez, and Meredith Quintanilla; her grandchildren, Jessica Hernandez, Yazmin Castillo, Remyna Hernandez, and Miles Von Berg; and countless other family members, friends, and foster children. Her parents, Rafael and Blanche Rodriguez; brother, Ralph Rodriguez; and daughter, Yolanda Hernandez, preceded her in death.
Visitation for Dolly Hernandez will be held on Monday, 23 January 2023, from 4:00PM - 8:00PM at Holy Sepulchre - St. Michael Chapel 1051 Harder Road Hayward, CA 94542
Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, 24 January 2023, at 12:30PM at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery - Mausoleum Of The Apostles 26320 Mission Blvd Hayward, CA 94544
Following the conclusion of the Funeral Mass, Burial is scheduled for 2:00PM at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery - Communion Of Saints.
