On Tuesday, July 2, 2013, surrounded by family, Teresa Hernandez peacefully left this earth to join her beloved husband, Jesus Hernandez, in heaven. Before she left this earth, each family member was allowed a private moment with her to say their last goodbyes. Mama Tere, as she was affectionately called by her family, was born at a ranch close to Laredo, on October 15, 1924. She was the last surviving member of seven siblings born to Atanacio and Dionicia Hernandez, deceased. In 1939 at the young age of 15, she married her first and only love, Jesus Hernandez, who swept her off her feet as she was so fond of saying.Together they raised two daughters and a son. They were married for 65 years until his death in 2004. She faithfully was by his side during his sickness and by his side at his death, taking care of him and comforting him. In 1981 at the age of 56 she received her associates degree in early childhood development from Laredo Junior College. She loved children, and worked at various day care facilities and pre-schools. She will always be remembered as the doting mother, grandmother and aunt that would go out of her way to help someone. She loved knitting and crochet. She also loved reading, and kept a vast collection of books on different subjects, always wanting to learn new things.She was a great cook. She will be dearly missed by all. Surviving her are her children Maria de la Luz (Ray) Smith, Josie Sanchez, and Jesus (Maria) Hernandez, Jr., her grandchildren Fernando Sanchez, Jr., Joanne Gutierrez, Gary Sanchez, Ray Smith, Jr., Kevin Smith, Michael Smith, Sara Lopez, and Lurinda Hernandez; great grand children Clarissa, Lukas and Sophia Gutierrez, Korbin and Dresden Smith, and Francisco and Cassandra Lopez, as well as numerous nephews and nieces, friends and neighbors. The family would like to thank the staff and doctors of Laredo Medical Center and Laredo Specialty Hospital for their utmost professional care and compassion during her last days.In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of their choice.