Maria Hernandez, a dedicated educator and tireless advocate for immigrant rights, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 70 years old.

Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Maria immigrated to the United States with her parents as a young girl, settling in Los Angeles. She overcame language barriers and societal challenges to become the first in her family to earn a college degree, later dedicating over 40 years to teaching in public schools. She firmly believed that education was the key to unlocking opportunities, particularly for Latino youth, and worked to ensure that every student in her classroom felt seen, valued, and capable of achieving greatness.

Beyond the classroom, Maria was a fierce advocate for immigrant families, helping to establish programs that provided legal aid, language courses, and college scholarships for first-generation students. Her dedication to her community earned her numerous awards, but her greatest joy came from witnessing her students thrive.

Maria is survived by her husband of 48 years, Carlos; her children, Isabel and Javier; five grandchildren; and a host of extended family and friends. A memorial service will be held on February 17 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Los Angeles. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Maria Hernandez Scholarship Fund for Latino Students.