Loving matriarch, talented chef

Mickey Hernandez, a longtime Claremont resident, died on September 15, 2013. She was 95.

Mrs. Hernandez was born on August 23, 1918 in La Verne, California, one of 15 children born to Cresenciano and Maria Martinez. She was raised in La Verne, California and married the love of her life, Louie Hernandez, in 1939. They moved to Claremont, where Mr. Hernandez was a rancher for the next 25 years. After they sold their citrus ranch, they moved to Upland where they resided until their deaths.

Mrs. Hernandez was a homemaker and, after her children finished primary school, worked for the Claremont Unified School District for 20 years as a cafeteria chef. She was known for her famous “Thousand Island” dressing that she made for all the Claremont school children to enjoy. She was a great cook who always kept a stock of homemade tortillas on hand and a pot of beans on the stove. She was also noted for her fresh-made salsa, featuring chilies and tomatoes she grew herself. Many people fortunate enough to know Mrs. Hernandez enjoyed stopping by her house, where they were sure to enjoy one of her special meals. She always had a smile and something good to eat.

Mrs. Hernandez was a founding member of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church and later a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

“Those who knew her will always remember Mickey,” family shared. “She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister and friend.”

Mrs. Hernandez was preceded in death by 14 siblings and also by her husband, Louie Hernandez. She is survived by her son, Louie Hernandez Jr. of Upland, and by her daughters and sons-in-law, Rose and Nelson French of Lakeside, Arizona and Susan and Steve Tarvin of Claremont. She also leaves seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.