Mary Betty Hernandez

Betty Hernandez, 87, passed away peacefully in her home late on Monday, January 12, 2026, after a short battle with cancer. Betty was born in Aurora in 1938 and married the love of her life (Leo) in 1958. Eleven months later she had her first child (Richard) and in 1964 she had her second child (Jodi). Betty was a product of the Silent Generation, and she raised her children in the example of sacrifice. Betty dropped out of school just before graduation when her mother passed away unexpectedly. She left school so that she could take care of her father and brothers. After marriage Betty cooked Sunday dinner for her dad and brothers for years. In her father’s later years, she helped with his laundry and Leo helped to bathe him. Betty was a homemaker and was a prolific cleaner. Leo used to brag that he could bring his friends over at any time and not worry about how the house looked. She took GREAT pride in the upkeep of her home. Somehow, with one income Betty managed to send both of her kids to Catholic school, and her daughter to a Catholic high school and to college loan free. Her kids recognized her sacrifice through the years with the knowledge that she was always the last to get new shoes. Her family ALWAYS came first. Betty and Leo attended many UAW conventions, and went on vacations to California, Mexico and Graceland and family vacations to the Grand Canyon, San Antonio, and took several cruises. After Leo’s retirement Betty and Leo took on painting jobs together and loved to participate in craft shows. Betty is survived by her son Rick (Sharon) Hernandez, her daughter Jodi Hernandez, her Grandson Keith (Amanda) Hernandez, one brother Joseph Robert (Linda) Nila, several brothers’ in-law and sister’s in-law, many nieces, nephews, godchildren and grand dogs Quint and Bruno. Betty was preceded in death by her husband Leo, her parents Santiaga and Senobio Nila, her in-laws Robert and Ruth Hernandez, Sisters Jean, Theresa and Delores and brothers “Perf” and Manuel and several brothers’ in-law and sister’s in-law. Betty wishes to thank the Rush Copley Nurses and staff of A & C Wing, the nurses and staff of Thrive Rehabilitation Center, the AccentCare nurses and staff and Father Leake. Memorial visitation will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 North Lake Street, Aurora, Illinois 60506. 630-631-5500 Please visit our interactive website at www.daleidenmortuary.com to leave condolences for Betty’s family or sign the guest book. In lieu of flowers Betty requested that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Rush Copley Cancer Center.

Mary Betty Hernandez

March 10, 1938 - January 12, 2026