Olga Hernandez

With an enormous heart, deep convictions, and tremendous grace, Olga Hernandez lived her life with passionate devotion to the family she so deeply treasured. A wonderful wife, amazing mother, and delightful grandmother, Olga’s beautiful legacy of conscious care for others, perseverance, and joy in the simple things will be proudly celebrated by those who knew her best. Loved by many, Olga will be long remembered and deeply missed.

1943 marked a time when all American lives were directly impacted by the war effort in Europe. While countless young people actively served in the trenches of WWII, those who remained stateside poured their energies into supporting the war effort in any way they could. While Ford and GM converted their plants from automobile manufacturing to the building of bombs and aircraft engines an unprecedented 18 million women proudly worked the manufacturing jobs once held by the men who were now overseas. Providing a sense of respite from the daily struggles, Frank Sinatra and Glenn Miller filled the airways, Lassie Come Home the television, and the musical Oklahoma the stage on Broadway. For Antonio G. “Mighty Fine” Jimenez and Margarita (Marquez) Jimenez it was a particularly exciting time as they welcomed the second of their ten children, Olga into their hearts and home.

As the second oldest of 10 children, Olga spent much of her youth providing loving care for her younger siblings and helping provide for the family. One of her most often shared stories of her childhood was about going door to door selling things. Over the years she sold everything from socks to rattlesnake rattles! As a teen, Olga enjoyed listening to music, attending local dances, and going to the drive-in.These early experiences helped form Olga’s deep love of family and her willingness to do whatever it took to provide good care for those she loved.

At the age of 29, Olga married her sweetheart Jose M. Hernandez on December 2, 1972, in Ligonier, Indiana and the happy couple soon welcomed their son Joe into the world. Two years later, they adopted Jennifer and at the age of 19, after she passed away, they graciously took Jennifer's daughter, Kyrie into their family and raised her as their own daughter. With a gratitude filled heart, Olga’s compassion and kindness served as the solid foundation of her marriage and parenting. She made sure her children grew up with a strong sense of family, firm faith, and many cherished holiday memories, especially of her personal favorite, the Fourth of July.

Olga possessed a natural gift for connecting with others and was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. Whether working the kitchens at the Publix Cafe or the St. James Restaurant, providing loving babysitting, translating English, or practicing her faith at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Olga led with her heart and often provided others with a deep sense of comfort and acceptance. Regardless of life’s challenges, Olga always found a way to count her blessings, express her gratitude, and warmly share with others. While running the snack bar at the local Walmart Olga, who loved a good game of bingo, started the Bingo Bugs with a group of regular guests who soon became treasured friends. It comes as no surprise that Olga’s commitment to the care of others was honored with the keys to the City of Kendallville and a Good Samaritan Award.

Embracing life fully, Olga was an enthusiastic fan of the Indianapolis Colts or any team her son Joe was interested in. She relished in dining out, especially at The St. James Restaurant in Avilla, loved to watch Elvis movies and The Days of Our Lives, and spending any time she could with her loved ones especially her treasured grandchildren; Mariah, Jenna, Sofia, Juaniko, Mykal, Shane Luke, Amber, and Taylor were surely Olga’s heart’s delight.

Those who knew her would unhesitatingly agree that Olga’s life centered on her family. Without a doubt, Olga’s devotion and care were both unfailing and inspiring. Though the world is surely duller without Olga’s bright light, her vibrant legacy will continue to brilliantly shine in the hearts and lives of those she leaves behind.

Olga Hernandez, 73, died in the comforts of her Kendallville home on Saturday, April 22, 2017.

Proudly carrying Olga’s legacy forward: Husband, Jose Hernandez of Kendallville. Son, Joe and Janna Hernandez of Kendallville. Daughter, Kyrie and Michael Hernandezpeterson of Fort Wayne. Nine grandchildren: Mariah Hernandez, Jenna Hernandez, and Sofia Hernandez; Juaniko Hernandezpeterson and Mykal Hernandezpeterson; Shane Peterson, Luke Peterson, Amber Peterson, and Taylor Peterson. Sisters, Dolores Hatfield of Warsaw, Mary Jimenez of Kendallville, Minerva and Bobby Baldridge of Claypool, DD and Bill Narkter of Kendallville. Brother, Anthony “Tony” and Linda Jimenez of West Otter Lake near Angola. Sister, Patty and Doug Terry of Kendallville. Brother, Armondo Jimenez of Kendallville. Sister, Brenda and Heath Smith of Avilla. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jennifer Hernandez in 1991 and a brother, Larry Jimenez.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 25, 2017, from 3:00 – 7:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 26, 2017, at 11:00 AM at Hite Funeral Home.Burial will take place at Lake View Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Share a memory or send a condolence online at www.hitefuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to Hite Funeral Home of Kendallville.