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Norma A. Hernandez-Sauceda
YAKIMA - Norma A. Hernandez-Sauceda went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on October 18, 2009. Norma was born on October 1, 1947 to Hortencia and the late Jesse Hernandez Sr., of Mabton, Wa.

She is survived by her mother, Hortencia Hernandez, nine siblings and their spouses; Ed Hernandez (Irma); Richard Hernandez, Gilbert Hernandez, Charlie Hernandez, Fred Hernandez (Gigi), Rachel Ott (Ken), Christina Moreno (Tomas), Jesse Hernandez (Maria), Gracie Bice (Del), three children and their spouses; Laura and Dan Cervantes of Vancouver, Wa; Tanya and Tony Saiz of Yakima, Wa. and Raymond "Mike" Hernandez and Maggie of Yakima, Wa.; 9 grandchildren; Jennifer Cervantes, Daniel Cervantes Jr., Esther Saiz, Anthony Saiz Jr., Sarah Saiz, Isaiah Hernandez, Marisa Hernandez, Jezirea Marez, two great grandchildren, Mariah Weich, Shawn Weich, her spouse Santos Sauceda Sr. and extended family.

Norma was caring, compassionate and considerate of other people's needs. She would make her rounds visiting family and friends throughout the Yakima Valley. She was known for her tasty tamales. She would drop by unexpectedly with food and small gifts for those she visited often times fulfilling an unspoken need. Mom was a strong and caring woman and when she saw an injustice she would stand up for others. She had a big heart and sometimes came across as bossy but that was her way of letting you know she loved you. Often times she would give her last dollar to help those who she saw had a greater need. Where ever Norma went, her contagious laughter and sense of humor would fill a room. She was very protective of those she loved. Her love for her grandchildren was made known to those who knew her as they were her favorite topic. Mom was free spirited and lived for the moment and at times we wish we could be more like her. She never worried about tomorrow. She would always say Live for today, not tomorrow, for you don't know what God will bring you and at times we wish we could be like her. She had the ability to make people feel welcome and like family. She would always see the good in people and mentor those who sought her out, including friends of her children.

She is preceded in death by her father, Jesse Hernandez and her brother Jesse Hernandez II. She will be greatly missed by those who loved her but she would want us to rejoice in the memories we all shared with her. She is now Daddy's Little Princess and another one of God's angels who will continue watching over us and protect us. So when you hear of her laughter in the midst, she is letting you know she is with you. Special thanks to the Yakima Regional Medical ICU unit for their caring, compassion and support during illness.

Vigil services will be held on Thursday at 6:00 pm at Valley Hills Funeral Home in Zillah. Funeral services will be held on Friday, Oct. 23, 2009 at 11:00 am at the Toppenish Assembly of God Church. Interment will follow in the Toppenish Elmwood Cemetery. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.valleyhillsfh.com.
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I am sorry to hear about Norma, I haven't seen her in several years. I am one of her class mates. May she rest in peace.
Tim Lenseigne
Honolulu,HI.
To the Hernandez family. I am very sorry for your loss.
David Sabedra and family in McKinney, Texas.
MY Condolences to the HERNANDEZ FAMILY, Norma was truly a warm-hearted and loving person. I have wonderful memories at my Uncle Jesse's home, especially of Norma with her wonderful smile and kind heart. She truly was one of the angels in our family that spread love, laughter and compassion. She will truly be missed. GOD bless and prayers to the family.
Love, Cousin Raul Galaviz, son of Jose and Mary Galaviz.
Dear Tanya & Family,

When I returned to work on Tuesday, I was so sorry to see that your mom had passed... Please know that I am holding you close in my heart at this time, and that she is held even closer in the Lord's hands and heart now.

I was glad to spend time with you and your wonderful husband, Tony, last week - getting great ideas about how we can improve our family waiting area.

I was so glad, too, to get to talk with your mom before she was admitted to the ICU. She, too, had wonderful suggestions, but what I enjoyed the most was when she was telling me about you as a baby. She was so proud of how she learned to take care of you - I told her that she was a nurse, for sure! I think that when a parent cares so deeply for a child with a special need, there is also a special bond. I didn't get the feeling that you were the "favorite", but she did have such tender feelings for you - Oh, and such pride! She said how you weren't expected to be able to walk very well... and just look at you! In fact, as she was telling me this, I was picturing you taking your daily walks here... cold or warm... recently bundled up in a coat, heading out toward the west.

Now Tanya, you are an extremely strong, intelligent, compassionate, funny, wise woman... but everyone has their limitations! Be sure to take time for yourself - and now it is OK to let those feelings express themselves.

When my mom passed, I remember that tears would come at the oddest times. While driving the car, or standing in line at the store to buy doughnuts for visiting family... it was best to let them flow when they presented themselves... people would just look away, and I'd wipe my eyes. I found that if I "stuffed" my feelings, the grief just wouldn't express itself as purely later - and the healing would be delayed. To feel the sadness purely and fully at the moment is a wonderful way to let that wound start to heal.

Please be sure to give yourself enough time before coming back to work, too. You'll need one extra day just for yourself - to breathe, to sleep. Speaking of sleep... has she come to you in a dream, yet? If not, I bet she will. Cherish that communication from her... Speaking of work... I was feeling pretty strong when I came back to work... and surprisingly, it was the caring and tenderness and concern of coworkers that would send me into tears multiple times for several days... until, again, I was strong.

No doubt, this holiday season will be hard... and her birthday... and your birthday... and Mother's Day... It is so sad to see that empty chair, but you will feel her in your hearts, and she will be there with you in spirit and laughter.

I know how wonderful of a woman she was, because of her reflection in you. I have always enjoyed working with you - you have always been patient and helpful (and so beautiful and smart, too!).

Take care, sweet one... I'll see you when you return...

Much, Much Love, Barbara Strutner
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Rachel, and your family at this time of sorrow. May God wrap his arms around each of you in this difficult time and comfort you.
Respectfully,
Arlie and Sherre Holden
To the Hernandez family we are sorry for your loss,you are all in our prayers.
Guadalupe,Gloria Tellez and family
Rachael & family...Our thoughts and prayers are with you today as you go through such a difficult time! We would definitely be there if Archie's health was better. You have our deepest sympathy!! Love you!
Uncle Archie & Aunt Judy
My deepest condolences to the whole Hernandez family.

Beckie Cornwell
Los Angeles, Ca.