Lori Hernandez

When reflecting on the life of Lori Hernandez, words such as intuitive, artistic, and loving come to mind, however, the word that paints the most vivid picture of her is selfless. She passionately gave of her time and resources to the family and friends she adored. Often drawing on her own father’s wisdom, she faced whatever came her way with courage. A loving mother, a positive light in the lives of many, and a strong model for her faith community, Lori will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Lori’s story began in 1970, a time that was just as artsy as she was! Music continued to make a significant impact with the Beatles still on the top of the charts and the nation on the edge of the Disco era. Amidst this exciting time, Leon and Lydia (Patlan) Garcia were pleased to announce the birth of their newborn baby girl, Lori born on August 29th in Kalamazoo, Michigan at Bronson Hospital.

Growing up four years before she became the big sister to Lisa, Lori attended local schools where teachers defined her as both intelligent and quiet. During her childhood, Lori spent many of her summers traveling to Texas to visit with her beloved extended family but she definitely was not a fan of the Texas heat! Between these trips, she also played Little League softball which was the only activity she enjoyed outside. As a teenager, she loved the music of Duran Duran and was active in her school’s band. She took several years of piano lessons, and she enjoyed playing both the piano as well as her clarinet. A proud graduate of the Class of 1988 from Portage Northern High School, Lori attended Davenport College and later Spring Arbor University graduating with a degree in management and organizational development. Excelling at any job she set out to do, Lori very much enjoyed her time as an IT Project Manager at Pharmacia/Upjohn where she gained confidence in her abilities and made lasting friendships with coworkers. Not to be forgotten was the day she met the love of her life and her husband of seventeen years, Ramon Hernandez. For them it was love at first sight, dating for a short time before joining in marriage on February 20, 1999, in Las Vegas, Nevada. They celebrated with nearly forty of their closest friends and family at the Riviera’s Little White Chapel. From there, they spent a few days exploring the beautiful cliffs of the Grand Canyon before returning home to start their lives together.

Settling in Wayland before purchasing their first home in Otsego, she and Ramon enjoyed many weekend trips together as well as vacations before starting a family. They were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Adriana in 2001 before moving to their Portage home by 2004. Lori was never one to remain idle and helped to start a professional IT consulting firm before accepting employment with PNC bank where she worked as a Senior Tech Support Representative for six years. Now with a second child, Aidan, joining the family and both children involved with various activities, Lori was no stranger to juggling a routine. Always on the go, she never hesitated to drive them to and from their many practices, games, or performances over the years often playing her favorite Christian rock band, Casting Crowns in the car or blaring her favorite 80s music! An active soccer mom, she facilitated everything from theater rehearsals, band camps, martial arts lessons, Bible camps, as well as homework. When their lives settled down long enough, they enjoyed time camping at Sandy Pines as long as Lori had her air conditioning, a golf cart to get around, and absolutely no mosquitos! They enjoyed a trip to Disney World with the kids in 2011 to make memories, and always looked forward to planning their annual trips to Michigan’s Adventure.

When she wasn’t pouring everything she had into making sure her kids had every opportunity available to them, she enjoyed some time for herself by reading the Bible and other favorite books. She loved her sweet tea, a commonality she shared with her brother-in-law from Texas, Marc. An avid hockey fan, she attended many games and collected autographs over the years from her two favorite teams; the K-Wings and the Detroit Red Wings. Extremely crafty, Lori could design and make nearly anything and never left a birthday party she was hosting without every special detail clearly thought out. Known to be over the top in her creativity, she found great joy in using her imagination to decorate and design elaborate parties for her kids, as well as the children of her family and friends. With so much creativity, it was no surprise she loved her annual trips to IKEA and had a real knack for design. She used her artistic talents to own her own photography business, Urban Light, for a short time to take family photos and connect with people. Lori had the type of personality that made everyone feel as if they had always known her. With an unshakable faith, Lori very much savored the time she spent with her church family at Cross Community Church of the Nazarene. She often played the drums and piano at many of the worship services, a gift she shared with her daughter who also played the drums.

Described as protective of her family, a nurturer, and a lover of all people, Lori leaves behind a legacy of being a vessel of God’s love. Her encouraging words of wisdom, strong desire to be present with others and her ability to listen without judgment will be known as her greatest gifts. A true believer in her loving Lord and Savior, Lori’s faith never wavered and she trusted in His divine guidance throughout her illness. Her warm collection of memories will be shared for generations to come.

Lori Hernandez, age 46, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Christmas Day, at her home surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her father, Leon Garcia in 2000. Members of her family include her loving husband, Ramon Hernandez; two children: Adriana (age 15) and Aidan (age 11); mother, Lydia Garcia; sister, Lisa (Marc) Garcia; nephew, Myles (age 2); three special aunts: Mary Ann Patlan, Irene Penland, and Alice Patlan as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Cremation will take place. Visit with friends and family on Friday from 5-8pm at Cross Community Church of the Nazarene (5625 Oakland Dr.). Services will be held Saturday at 1pm followed by a reception in the church hall. Please visit Lori’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made for her children’s education fund, in care of Lydia Garcia. Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.