Paula Perez Hernandez passed away peacefully Friday, January 08, 2021 following a lengthy illness. She was born in Nava, Mexico on June 18, 1926, the daughter of Vicente and Guadalupe Perez. As a young girl, Paula enjoyed spending time with her grandma and going to dances at the plaza in Mexico. On January 26, 1945, she married Jose Hernandez and together they enjoyed 51 years of marriage prior to his death in 1997. Paula worked at Western Michigan University for many years, working in the housekeeping department. She had many hobbies including cooking for her family and friends, she gathered her ingredients from many visits to the Kalamazoo farmers market as well as her own garden. She crafted Mexican dishes such as tamales at Christmas, bunuelos at New Years, and her famous menudo and tacos which were often delivered to your home as a delicious surprise. She loved spending time in her many gardens watching birds, drawing birds and writing poems, her favorite bird was the cardinal. She crocheted so many beautiful blankets and doilies along with other treasures for many people.

Throughout the seasons of her life she loved traveling and having adventures to California and Texas. As a family she enjoyed picnics, Sunday drives and family gatherings. One highlight was her 80^th birthday party which included a surprise performance by a mariachi band. She was a loving mother who taught her family great values including a hard work ethic and how to cook with love. She was the perfect grandmother. Although she never got to spend time with her great grandchildren her influence is carried on through them. Paula was preceded in death by her parents; her spouse, Jose; two brothers, Alejandro Perez and Vicente Perez; sisters, Cruz Davila and Crescencia Zavala. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Guadalupe (Christine) Hernandez of Galesburg, Michigan, Paul (Ida) Hernandez of Portage, Michigan, Jose (Tina) Hernandez of Delton, Michigan; brother Marcelino Perez and sister, Lupe Flores, four grandchildren, Maria Hernandez, Tony  and Christina Hernandez and Andrea (Matt) Zerilli, as well as great-great grandchildren.