Natalia Hernandez

HERNANDEZ – Natalia (Cavazos) Hernandez age 89, of Grand Rapids, passed away on January 28, 2024. She was born in Falfurrias, TX on January 1, 1935 to her parents, Pedro (Juanita) Cavazos she was one of thirteen children. Natalia is survived by her seven daughters, Sylvia (Richard) Alighire, Janie (Francisco) Patino, Rosalinda (Esequel) Riojas, Elida Castro (Ricardo), Yolanda Rubio (Edwardo), Norma (Felipe) Cervantes and Sally Banks; 16 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Oralia Newville; brother, Raymond (Frances) Cavazos; and many nieces and nephews. Family was everything and always came first to Natalia. Many core memories came from her Sunday dinners which became a family tradition. At these dinners you would find her cooking rice and beans or her famous tamales. These were recipes passed down to her daughters and their families which will live on forever. If you ever walked in the doors of 1332 Lafayette you were welcomed by Natalia. This was where she raised her children from 1968 and continue to babysit children that became family. She was always ready to make you a plate of food or give you a place to sleep. Her home was always a place that you could go to day or night. When Lafayette became too big for just her, she moved 1925 Bridge NW, where her apartment was still as welcoming no matter how small. That’s just how big her heart was. If you needed a ride she was right there or always willing to lend you her car. If needed to learn how to drive she was willing to jump in the passenger seat and teach you. She had a passion for gambling in many different ways. Rather it be the Casino, a nudge master, bingo hall or in the living room or kitchen. In the living room you could find her on the floor shooting craps taking everyone’s money or teaching grandchildren "7-11, little joe". In the kitchen you could see the table cleaned off for some poker or loteria. At the casino you can guarantee she will stay as long as you let her, win or lose. If there was a nudge master around, trust and believe she knew it where is was and visited it often. At a Bingo hall you could hear her upset because "Mary won again and she always wins". Natalia loved listening to music and dancing. She would go dancing with family/friends and attended many different concerts. She would turn music on and you find her dancing in the kitchen. Natalia’s big heart has made an impact on so many lives. She believed in everyone and would encourage anyone to take on the world. Her love was unconditional and never judgmental. The family would like to thank all for their love and support. They will receive family and friends from 2-4pm and 6-8pm Wednesday and 2-4pm and 6-8pm (Rosary) at 7:30pm, Thursday at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2 PM on Friday at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, 215 Sheldon Blvd SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 4100 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming MI 49509. Please visit www.heritagelifestory.com to submit a favorite memory, photo, or to sign the guestbook online.