Consuelo “Connie” Hernandez
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mom, grandma, great grandma, and great-great grandma on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at the age of 99. Connie’s legacy includes, grandmother to 41, great grandmother to 59 and great-great grandmother to 15.
Connie was surrounded by family and loved ones when she was called home to be with the Lord.
Our devoted mother died peacefully at the home of her daughter Monica Modlin. Connie was born on February 25, 1926 in Michoacan, Mexico to Carlos Torres and Ascencion Lopez. At age 4 she came to Santa Paula, CA. where she spent her childhood and Santa Barbara where she moved in her early teens attending local schools, and graduated from Harts Business College. Connie worked as a receptionist for Estado Home Loan, Robinsons Department store and retired from the Santa Barbara County Mental Health in 1995.
Married to 2 LT Frederick P. Lopez of Santa Barbara, they were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Consuelo Linda Lopez. Frederick was killed in action during World War II. A street at the Santa Barbara Airport bears Frederick Lopez’s name, honoring his sacrifice during WWII. Connie found love again with Salvador Hernandez Sr. Together they were blessed with 12 additional children; Connie is survived by; her daughters Consuelo Linda Lopez Romero (Manuel) Mary Ellen Cook, Monica Modlin, Rosanna Berendt (Larry) Marina Hernandez, Teresa Arellanes (Bill) and her daughter in-law Emma Hernandez (Salvador Hernandez Jr.) Her sons; Victor (Regina) Martin (Yara) Ruben and Paul Hernandez. She was predeceased by her 2nd husband Salvador Hernandez Sr. daughter Carmen H. Garcia and sons Sal Hernandez Jr. and Richard Hernandez. Son-in-laws Joseph Cook and Robert Modlin, her sister Carmen Madrigal, brothers Florencio, Genaro, Louis, Michael, Joe and Gilbert Torres. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Lorraine Torres (Gilbert). Connie is also survived by siblings; Anita Sanchez, Mary Ellen Rivera (Armando) and Rachel Remacle. As well as many nieces, nephews, godchildren and generations of extended family who were shaped by her kindness and strength.
Connie was a confident, strong and independent woman who always stayed firm in her moral and ethical convictions. She was intelligent, compassionate, generous and completely selfless. She was sought out by many of her extended family for her sound advice and wisdom.
The entire family is eternally grateful for her daughter Monica Modlin for graciously allowing mom to live with her. Enduring daily and weekend visits by numerous families to visit their beloved mom and grandma.
The family also wishes to share that they are beyond grateful to the wonderful care Mom received in her last days from her daughter Marina and her granddaughters Reina and Victoria who used their caregiver training to comfort our mom in her last days before transitioning to Heaven. In addition, special appreciation and thanks to Denise Peña for her overwhelming love, care and support.
Mom’s legacy will live on in the traditions she started, the values she imparted and the love she shared. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of her family. Her deep faith in Jesus gave her strength, peace and comfort. She left an indelible imprint on those she loved, and she will be greatly missed by many.
Suffice it to say, we love and thank everyone who prayed and continues to pray for our family. Your prayers have carried us through. We appreciate every act of kindness shown. Thank you and God bless you!
A rosary and funeral mass will be at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, 227 N. Nopal St. Santa Barbara: Rosary at 7 p.m. Monday June 16; funeral mass, 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 17, with a private interment at Calvary Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Connie’s memory may be made to the Monastery of Poor Clares, 215 E. Los Olivos St. Santa Barbara, CA 93105
