Rafaela Hernandez

Rafaela was born 91 years ago in Durango, Mexico but lived most of her life in Santa Barbara. She worked for Acme Laundry, Mission Linen and Technic but one of her favorite places to work was at the Mission Theater where Mexican movies were shown and where she once met her idol, Vicente Fernandez. She participated every year in Fiesta and was a member of the Santa Barbara/Puerto Vallarta Sister Cities.

Her passion, along with her family, was everyone else’s family. When arriving from Mexico she met her lifelong second family, The Lemus’ and through them met many lifelong families. She took care of many of her friend’s children, she became known as the “baby whisperer” calming fidgety babies. She was so trusted by parents who allowed her to travel to San Diego with their children. She loved going dancing and eating at different restaurants being known as “Rafa de los Restaurantes”. There wasn’t a person Rafa didn’t like and everyone she met became her friend.

She is preceded in death by her son Carlos, and Her three sisters, Cuca, Amparo & Rosalina and cuñado, Ricardo. She is survived by daughters, Cheli & Maria, grandchildren Wendi (Jose), Ivonne (Alex), Carlos Jr & Anthony. 7 great grandchildren, 2 great granddaughters. Plus many nieces, nephews, cousins, many she treated as her own. Rafa will be greatly missed by her family & by all who had the pleasure of meeting her. Her family & friends take comfort in the truly wonderful life she lived.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Vincent’s, a non-profit, where she lived and developed yet another family.

A Rosary will be held on Thursday, July 18 at Guadalupe Church at 7 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, July 19 at 10 am at Guadalupe Church followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery.

St. Vincent’s 501(c)(3)
4200 Calle Real
SB, CA 93110

Funeral Arrangements Entrusted to Pueblo Del Rey Funeral Services