Florentina Hernandez

Florentina (Ortiz) Hernandez, aka (“Flo”, “Flora” and “Florence”), 84, of Topeka, died on August 5, 2017 at Plaza West Health Center surrounded by her family.

She was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 20, 1933, the daughter of Jesus and Conrada Ortiz.

She was a translator for LULAC and the State of Kansas, and also worked in housekeeping for Brewster Place and Stormont-Vail Hospital.

Florence was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, American GI Forum Women’s Auxiliary where she held many offices, Legion of Mary, and the LULAC Senior Center.

She married Celestino Hernandez in Chicago, Illinois on July 26, 1952. They later divorced. He preceded her in death on March 28, 1995. She is survived by Patricia “Patty/Trish” Vega-Carmona, Katherine “Kathy” Toledo, Michael Angelo Hernandez, Celestino “Max” Hernandez, Marcina (Victor) Escobar and Cresencio “Chris” Hernandez, and Patricia "Patsy" Luna-Castillo, all of Topeka, and 28 grandchildren, and many great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Florence was also predeceased by a daughter, Joan “Joanie” Hernandez-Bernal, a daughter-in-law Amy Hernandez, a son-in-law Fernando Toledo, a grandson, Michael Angelo Hernandez Jr. and by all of her siblings.

Florence will lie in state at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church after 4:00 p.m. where a Legion of Mary Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, LULAC Senior Center or the American Diabetes Association sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, Kansas 66603.

Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.