Teresa Hernandez

Teresa Hernandez (Teresa Ayala), a devoted friend, wife, mother, and
grandmother, was called to Heaven on the morning of September 28, 2021. She was born in Corpus Christi, Texas to Macedonia Juarez and Jesus Hernandez, and graduated from Corpus Christi High School. After graduating high school, Teresa married Frank Ayala Jr. Together they
had five children: Ida Ayala Pauken, Ruth Ayala-Lott, Frank Ayala III, Peter Ayala, and Mary Ayala. They were also blessed with 14 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. Frank passed away on May 31, 2015. Later in life, Teresa was married to Rodolfo Cantu Flores, and they were happily married for several years. Rodolfo passed away on July 5, 2017. Teresa enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and her friend Manuel Garcia. She also had a love for sewing, gardening, and dancing.
Teresa Hernandez was the epitome of a strong woman. She loved her family fiercely and possessed unwavering determination. She never tolerated injustice and always fought for the causes she believed in. An example of this was when she pioneered the opening of the Oso Pool
in Corpus Christi. Teresa noticed the children that lived in her neighborhood were getting into mischief because they had nowhere to go when school was out during the summer. The Oso area where she lived had no youth centers or swimming pools. Teresa believed that the children in her neighborhood deserved a place to have fun and socialize with one another. She walked through several neighborhoods in the Oso area gathering signatures from residents to garner approval for the opening of a swimming pool. Once she acquired numerous signatures, she went before the city council and testified to the necessity of the proposed swimming pool. Teresa’s perseverance and determination paid off. The city approved the opening of the Oso Pool. The pool remains open to this day and continues to be a place that provides joy for the youth of Corpus Christi.
Teresa’s strength and determination made her an inspiration to all that knew her.

Teresa will be dearly missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends, who will continue to carry her memory in their hearts. She is survived by her brother, Jesus Hernandez Jr., and her children: Ida Ayala Pauken, Ruth Ayala-Lott, Frank Ayala III, Peter
Ayala, and Mary Ayala.

All family and friends of Teresa are invited to celebrate her life and legacy. A public viewing will be held from 5 pm - 9 pm with a Rosary at 7 pm at Corpus Christi Funeral Home on October 17, 2021. On October 18, 2021, a Mass will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at 9 am, and a burial will be held at Memory Gardens Cemetery at 11 am.

Pallbearers will be Frank Ayala III, Peter Ayala, John Ayala, Mike Lott, Daniel Pauken, and
Mario Venegas.

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