Maria Magdalena Hernandez

Maria Magdalena Hernandez

January 19, 1966 ~ December 29, 2023

Maria Magdalena Hernandez passed away December 29, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah at the age of 57 due to lung cancer. Maria, also known as "Ia", was born January 19, 1966 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Victorino Hernandez Barrientos and Maria Emma Viola Cruz Montoya. 

Maria was the youngest of 9 children. Growing up you could find her always playing outside, getting into trouble, or hanging out with her neice Heather, who were so close in age they grew up more like cousins. Maria was the typical little sister, always trying to tag along with her older brother Manuel. They would sell newspapers together, hangout at pioneer park, or hop on the double decker bus and go to Trolley Square.

Maria lived in Salt Lake City most of her life but spent some of her teenage years in Odessa, Texas living with her sister Pearl. She later moved back to Salt Lake City then to her final residence in Tooele, UT with her sister Pauline. You could always catch Maria and Pauline adventuring around downtown Salt Lake City together. They were best friends, even passing away less than a year apart from each other. 

Maria spent most of her adult life caring for someone. First, she was the caretaker for her mom until she passed away in 2003. Then her brother Fernando and eventually Pauline, who she lived with most of her life. Maria never had any children of her own but cared for her nephew (Narciso) and niece (Jasmine) as if they were hers. She was the ultimate aunt.

Though she was a caretaker most of her life she had other jobs as well. Maria worked at Dominoes and different retail jobs. She was always a hard worker and liked learning new things. She even got her CNA license and later learned welding.

Maria was very outspoken and sometimes mischievous. She was the BEST storyteller. Her quick wit and humor left lasting impressions on those around her. She was always honest, sometimes even too honest. You could always count on her to "tell it how it is".

Maria's favorite hobby was playing Pokémon Go. Her favorite Pokémon was Psyduck. When it came to music, she loved disco and the 80s. She loved the cold and the snow. She enjoyed watching movies, especially horror films. Her favorite villain was Freddy Kruger. Her favorite movies were The Titanic and Selena. She enjoyed reading books, especially True Crime. Her favorite authors were Ann Rule and Sylvia Browne. Her favorite TV show was Ghost Adventures. Maria was a firm believer of supernatural entities, the afterlife, and signs from above. Be on the lookout for coins from heaven. 

Though she had many hobbies her simple pleasure in life was spending time with family and friends, especially her friend Angie, who she lived with in her final months, and great niece Tiva, who she adored. Maria was always ready for any adventure big or small. 

Maria is survived by her brother Manuel Hernandez; sister Grace Vasquez and her nephew and niece, who she helped raise, Narciso and Jasmine, along with many other nephews, nieces, and cousins. 

She is preceded in death by her parents Viola and Victorino; siblings Pearl, Daniel (Dan), Phil, Fernando (Ferny), Edward (Gene), and Pauline. 

Funeral services will be held January 12th, 2024 at 2:30 PM at Memorial Redwood Mortuary, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah. You may visit with the family prior to services from 12:30 to 2:15 PM. 

Interment following services at Memorial Redwood Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah.