Paula H. Tenorio

Sioux Falls, SD – Paula H. Tenorio, age 86, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2025, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., April 9, 2025, at the United Pentecostal Church, 311 North Horton, La Grange, Texas.

She was born on June 29, 1938, in Jourdanton, Texas, and raised in Poteet, Texas. Paula was the daughter of Estanislo Hernandez and Dominga Sanchez and one of ten siblings: Estanislada (Dolly), Julia, Romana, Maria, Ciriy (Sally), Jose Angel, Espridenia, Timoteo, Pablito, and Braulio Hernandez.

Paula was preceded in death by her husband, Louis M. Tenorio; sons, Gregorio Hernandez Tenorio and Asuncion (J) Tenorio; and grandchildren, Crystal Louise, Louis Escamilla, and Mercedes Phillips. She is survived by her children: Camila (D) Tenorio, Dominga Garcia, Carolina Tenorio, and Luis Hernandez Tenorio.

In her early years, Paula worked as a migrant farm worker, later at a department store, and eventually made donuts in a small-town bakery where she brought joy to many. She loved everything living—plants, children, animals—and made friends with the light of her smile. She had a warm heart, a sharp sense of humor, and a deep love for her family.

Paula was the cornerstone of our family—the one who held everyone together with strength, kindness, and unwavering love.

You will be missed.