Lidia T Hernandez

Lidia Martinez Hernandez, lovingly known as Lee and affectionately called Aunt Bea by her nieces and nephews, passed away on October 24 after a year-long battle with cancer. Born on September 3, 1944, she was the fifth of ten children of Ana and Sabas Martinez.
As a child, she attended Mt. Eden and Tennyson High Schools. She then enrolled in Don's Beauty College and earned a cosmetology license, which enabled her to eventually open and run her own hair salon and support her family.
Lee met her beloved husband, Salvador Hernandez, through his radio program when she requested song dedications for her salon customers. With the help of her eldest sister, Mary, Lee eloped to marry Sal in Reno on September 5, 1970, and a short time later renewed their vows at Nativity Church, beginning a devoted partnership of over 40 years. They settled in Redwood City where they raised their family and built a life of community and faith.
Lee's faith was extremely important to her. She began her service at St. Anthony's, then at Nativity Parish in Menlo Park, and later continued at St. Pius. Lee and Sal were known for their commitment to running the Mexican Food booth at the annual Nativity Carnival, donating all the proceeds to Nativity Church. For over 20 years, they also volunteered to pick up and deliver food donations every Thursday at 4:30 a.m. to St. Anthony's dining hall for the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Lee's dedication to volunteering extended beyond the church. She served as a Den Mother for the Boy Scouts, volunteered with the Girl Scouts, and was always willing to help Sister Bernice at Nativity School with any task that was needed. She donated food and helped operate the snack bar at Junipero Serra High School during sporting events, and donated her time to Notre Dame High School Belmont. Whether it was driving students on field trips, helping with bake sales, ringing parents, Lee could always be counted on.
Lee's charisma and passion for people shone through in her professional life. She owned and operated her hair salon, La Morenita, in Union City, California, where her clients became lifelong friends. After retiring from the salon after 30 years, she worked as a teacher's aide at Sequoia High School, followed by a position with United Airlines in reservations, and ramp.
She loved to travel, and her career with United made it possible for her to visit family and friends in Mexico and Australia, tour Europe, and visit Lourdes.
Lee also loved music, especially Mariachi music, classical music, Linda Ronstadt, and Johnny Mathis.
Her husband Sal preceded her in death on December 4, 2013, as did her siblings Joe, Alice, and Albert.
Lee is survived by her children, Juan (John), and Rose Anne (Annie) and her son-in-law, Andrew, and Raquel Roa who she loved like a daughter.
Lee will be remembered for her generosity, kindness, and the profound impact she made on those who knew her.
A Funeral Mass celebrating her life will be held at St. Pius Catholic Church on Saturday, November 16th at 10:30 AM.