The memorial service for Florence Martinez Hernandez was held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 30, at St. Theodore Catholic Church, Albert Lea. The Rev. Robert Schneider officiated. Interment will be in St. Theodore Catholic Cemetery. Visitation was from 4 to 8 p.m. Thurday, with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m., at Bonnerup Funeral Service, and one hour before the service at the church.

Florence Martinez Hernandez, age 80, of Albert Lea, passed away peacefully at Naeve Hospital on Tuesday, April 27, 2004.

She was born on Oct. 16, 1923, in Arizona. She was united in marriage to Sotero Hernandez on Oct. 14, 1938.

She is survived by five sons and their children: Patrick (Janie, Patricia,

Delores, Corina, Phyllis, Linda, Adolf and Aaron and his special friend Darlene Winter), Alvin Sr. (Alvin Jr., Carmelita, Sergio), Raymond Sr. (Elizabeth, Raymond Jr., Jessica, Monica, Jeffery), Herman (David and Angela), and Robert and wife Anna (Natasha, Christopher, Clint, Seth, Troy, Amanda); two daughters and their children: Mary Lou Potter (April, LouAnn, Danette), and Rosalie Peterson and husband Richard (Anthony and Michael); also 46 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and three sisters-in-law: Ramona Reyes, Modesta Hernandez, and Florentina Hernandez. Grandsons Erik Hernandez and Logan Cox held a very special place in her heart!

She worked as a home health aide, also in a hotel and in the school system in Texas. She enjoyed playing bingo, watching Wheel of Fortune, reading and doing crossword puzzles.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 61 years, Sotero Hernandez, in 2002; son, Sotero Jr.; daughters: Theresa and Alma; grandson, Kevin; and great granddaughter, Cindy.

Florence was a great mother and grandmother to all her children. She was always there for everyone. She had lots of love for all, especially her great grandchildren. She will be sadly missed by all who loved her. We will all miss you very much, mother and grandmother to all.

God has called a beautiful angel home

No longer will she suffer.

Heaven is a lot brighter

Now that she is there.

When we look up we’ll know

That our own special angel is there!