Joan D. Hernandez

Joan D. Hernandez, 60, of Topeka, died December 15, 2014 surrounded by her family. Joan was born on May 20, 1954 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Celestino and Florentina (Ortiz) Hernandez. She was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Joan enjoyed playing BINGO and was always looking after others first and helping people. Survivors include her children: Florence (Rafael) Gutierrez, Eloisa (Martin) Lopez, and Julio (Crystal) Hernandez, her mother Florence Hernandez, her siblings, Patricia Vega-Carmona, Katherine Toledo, Michael Hernandez, C.E. "Max" Hernandez, Marcina (Victor) Escobar, and Chris Hernandez, all of Topeka. Eleven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her father, a sister-in-law Amy Hernandez and a brother-in-law, Fernando Toledo. Joan will lie in state after 2:00 p.m., Thursday at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Friday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Cremation will follow the Funeral Mass. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.