MARIA ESTELA HERNANDEZ Age 81, passed away on Friday, September 30, 2011, at her home in Granada Hills, California. "Stella" as she was affectionately known was born on December 19, 1929 in Santa Barbara, Chihuahua Mexico, the daughter of the late Agustin Garcia Sr. and Maria Garcia de Quintana. She was the oldest of five children: Agustin, Alejandro, Luz Elena, and Hector. As a young woman she served as president of the social club "Ariel" in Ciudad de Juarez, Mexico. Her charm and natural beauty drew admiration from all of her peers. Upon obtaining her education she worked as a legal secretary for a prominent attorney in the city. It was during this time that she caught the eye of George J. Hernandez Sr. while working in the same building. He would become the great love of her life and after a romantic courtship filled with poetry, letters, and endless dancing, they were married on February 28, 1954. In 1955, they welcomed the arrival of their first son, George Jr., in El Paso, Texas. Soon after, they relocated to the city of Los Angeles, California, a place that had captured Stella's heart years before while on vacation. It was here in 1958 that they welcomed their second son, Armando. In 1967, they settled down in the San Fernando Valley and into the home where she would reside for the rest of her life. A devoted mother and lover of children, she took a position at Danube Avenue Elementary in Granada Hills, California, where she served as a teaching assistant for ESL students. Her patient and gentle nature made her a memorable presence both in and outside of the classroom. Undoubtedly, Stella's greatest achievement was her family and her love for them was boundless and unwavering. The enduring love she had with her beloved husband George was a commitment unmatched and the rarest of gifts. Together, they raised their two sons, nurtured their grandchildren, and traveled all across the United States creating unforgettable memories along the way. Stella's favorite creature, the butterfly, captured the essence of who she was: delicate, independent, and a sight so beautiful to behold even if just for a moment would linger for a lifetime. Stella is survived by her husband of 57 years, George J. Hernandez Sr., of Granada Hills; her son, George Jr. and granddaughters, Monica Hernandez and Diana Loen; son, Armando Hernandez and wife Sherri and granddaughters, Sarah, Jessica, Brittney and Erica; brother, Agustin and wife Teresa Garcia; brother, Alejandro and wife Rosalia Garcia; sister, Luz Elena and the late Jaime Sena. She was preceded in death by her father, Agustin Garcia Sr.; mother, Maria Garcia de Quintana; and brother, Hector Garcia. Services will be held Saturday, October 8, 2011, at Mission Hills Catholic Mortuary, 11160 Stranwood Ave., Mission Hills, CA 91345. The Viewing will be held from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Mass and Burial at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the in Stella's honor.