Hortensia Z. Hernandez, also known as "Tencha", age 79, passed away peacefully on April 1st, 2026, at 4:12 a.m. in Fresno, California at Hinds Hospice.

She was born on September 7th, 1946, in Alpine, Texas, and grew up in Odessa, Texas, where she attended Ector Junior High and Ector High School. Throughout her life, Hortensia dedicated herself to her work as a cook in restaurants, where she shared her love of food with many.

Tencha had a deep passion for cooking, baking, reading, sewing, and spending time at the casino. She found joy in preparing meals for her family and was known for her warmth, care, and the love she poured into everything she did.

She is survived by her loving husband, Alfred Hernandez Jr.; her children, Christopher Hernandez (wife Stephanie Hernandez), Jacob Hernandez (wife Hayley Hernandez), and Melissa Mora (husband Alfredo Mora); her sisters, Maria Pisana, Eusebia Gomez, Mary Ann Ramirez, and Antonia Zavala; and her cherished grandchildren, Nicholas Hernandez, Miles Hernandez, Jordan Morales, Soda Pop Hernandez, Analeia Paquiz, and Jeremiah Mora.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Luz Ortiz Zavala and Manuel H. Zavala, and her sister, Manuelita Zavala.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 17th, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. at Farewell. Cremation will follow.

Prayer
May God grant Hortensia eternal rest and peace. May her soul be welcomed with love, and may her family find comfort in the memories they shared and the love that will never fade. Amen.

"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die."
— John 11:25–26

Hortensia will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and all those she touched.