Zulema Maria Hernandez

Las Milpas- Maria Zulema Hernadez 83, passed away on Friday, May 16,2025 at her residence in Las Milpas. She was born on June 18,1941 to Genaro Martinez and Socorro Lopez in Nuevo Leon. Mexico. She is proceeded in death by her Husband Pablo Hernandez, Daughter Olga Hernandez, Brother Ricardo Martinez and Condrado Martinez, Sister Ernestina Martinez and Elvia Rivas She is survived by her sons Pablo (Rosa) Hernandez, Hector Hernandez, Rodolfo (Stacy)Hernandez, Oscar and Juan Antonio (Amelinda) Hernandez. Daughters Juventina (Javier) Herrera, Noemi (Leon) Anzaldua, Maria Zulema (Brundi) Sanders, Blanca Estella Hernandez (Sergio Vasquez), Brothers Genaro Martinez, Eluterio Sanchez, 27 Grandchildren, 21 Great-Grandchildren and 2 Great Great Grandchildren. Viewing will be held on Tuesday, May 20,2025 from 4pm to 9pm at Amador Funeral Home 1201 E. Ferguson Ave in Pharr. The family will have a rosary at 7pm that same evening. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 2pm at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Las Milpas. Burial will follow at Palm Valley Cemetery in Pharr. Maria Zulema Hernadez, better known as Zulema, dedicated her life to serving others with compassion, fierce determination, and an unshakable belief in justice and dignity for all. A pillar of her community she devoted countless hours to empowering the underserved and uplifting those whose voices were often unheard. Zulema was involved with Colonias Del Valle and Proyecto Azteca working as a board member to improve the living conditions of rural communities and ensure families had access to basic necessities and infrastructure. Her leadership and commitment to advocacy flourished through her work with Valley Interfaith, where she mobilized neighbors, educators, elected officials, and faith leaders to build stronger more equitable communities. Zulema played a pivotal role in petitioning for Las Milpas to officially become a part of the City of Pharr. This helped support the Las Milpas area to have equal access to city infrastructure, such as paved roads, drainage, traffic lights, street lighting and a recreational park (Jones Box Park). A lifelong advocate for farmworkers rights, Zulema was proud to support La Union de Campesios(United Farm Workers) and La Union del Pueblo Entero(L.U.P.E.) fighting alongside others for fair wages, humane conditions, and the dignity of labor. Because of her efforts, Zulema received an award from Dolores Huerta for her lifetime achievement of civil rights with L.U.P.E. while working alongside Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, and Jesse Jackson. She also served with A.R.I.S.E. helping women and families become agents of change within their communities through education and civic engagement. As a faithful member of Nuestro Senor del Sagrado Corazon, Zulema volunteered as a Guadalupana, offering her service and faith in every ministry she touched. Zulema continued her services through Santa Fransisca Xavier Cabrini Catholic Church. Her devotion to youth and education led her to serve as a Valley View I.S.D. School Board Member, where she championed student success and worked to ensure every child had access to quality education. Zulema was also featured in a documentary "Ay Mariposa" that reflected her lifelong struggles and accomplishments through grass roots advocacy. The film is featured at local university and college courses for Mexican American studies to enhance education on local advocacy efforts and immigrant's journeys. Zulema's legacy includes a lifetime of involvement in community outreach programs, always rooted in her belief in human and equal rights for all. Whether advocating for immigrant families, organizing food drives, or mentoring young leaders, Zulema never wavered in her mission to build a more compassionate and just world. Her work leaves a lasting impact not only on the institutions she served but in the hearts of the many lives she touched. Si Se Pudo Mariposa. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Dimas L. Amador-Funeral Director at Amador Funeral Home in Pharr.

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