Age 89, formerly of the South Side of Chicago, passed away Friday, April 10, 2026. Beloved by family and friends, she will be remembered for her warm spirit, steady devotion to family, and great strength.

She was the loving mother of Lisa (Travis) Harris, Valerie (Jerry Hopkins) Koeppen, and the late Pete (Karen) Fernandez. A devoted caregiver and constant source of encouragement, she celebrated every milestone with pride and made her home a gathering place filled with love, laughter, and delicious meals shared with those she cherished.

A skilled and passionate hairdresser, she loved her work—creating beauty, sharing stories, and building friendships in the salon. Her talent, gentle patience, and pride in a job well done brought joy to clients and family alike.

Caring grandmother of Tony (Lindsey) Fernandez, Joe (Dee) Fernandez, and Sarah (Cody) Runyan, she delighted in her grandchildren’s successes and offered wisdom, support, and gentle humor throughout their lives. Her legacy of kindness and family-first values lives on through them.

Proud great-grandmother of Avery Fernandez, Stevie Fernandez, Joey Fernandez, Kaydence Runyan, Gabriel Runyan, the late Mykenzie Runyan, and Hunter Runyan. She treasured each moment with her great-grandchildren— from quiet afternoons to spirited celebrations— and took joy in watching the family grow across generations.

Dear aunt of many nieces and nephews, she maintained close ties with extended family and friends and was always ready with a listening ear, a word of advice, or a caring presence in times of need. Her generosity and familial devotion touched a wide circle of loved ones.

A surrogate mother to many, she opened her heart and home to anyone in need of guidance. Her maternal love knew no bounds, extending far beyond her immediate family to embrace a wide circle of "adopted" children and godchildren who looked to her for wisdom and strength. To her, being a godmother was not just a title but a calling; she took immense pride in the many lives she helped shape, treating every child as her own and leaving behind a legacy of love that reached across generations.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Valentine Fernandez; her parents, Juan and Agapita Arias; and her siblings. Their memories remained a steady part of her life and inspired her deep sense of family and tradition.