Maria Hernandez

Maria Esther Hernandez of Monticello, a homemaker and longtime resident of the area, passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at the Garnett Health Medical Center in Middletown. She was 69.

The daughter of the late Hipolito Cruz and Petra Pena Cruz, she was born January 9, 1956 in Brooklyn. To know Maria is to love Maria. She left a mark on everyone she came in contact with. Maria was so helpful, her smile was special, and she was always ready to feed you with her amazing cooking. She loved her children and grandchildren with everything in her. She was loved by so many and will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her daughter Carmen Hernandez and her partner Shawn Bickham; her son Nick Hernandez and his wife Cindy Hernandez; nine grandchildren, Natagjie Olsen and husband Branden Olsen, Devon Clark, DeAndre Clark, Shawn Bickham Jr., Zachariah Bickham, Rachel Hernandez, Isaac Hernandez and Fiancé Kylie Caudy, Noah Hernandez, and Isabella Hernandez. She also had three sisters and a brother, Carmen Agosto and husband Alejandro, Pedro Agosto, Olga Agosto and Migdalia Agosto. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews; her longtime partner Ruperto Torres; and her former husband and father of her children, Anicasio "Nito" Hernandez Centeno. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother Hipolito Agosto Jr.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home, 401 Broadway in Monticello. Cremation will follow the services.

Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello. For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com