Latifa Hernandez

When reflecting on the life of Latifa Hernandez, words such as dedicated, generous and hardworking come to mind, yet it will be her unending love for her family and friends that will be her lasting legacy. With the love of her life by her side for nearly 47 years, Latifa witnessed her family tree blossom to include branches of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, who put the song in her heart. She was a woman of great honor and strength who worked hard throughout her life, and brought life and light to those within her reach. Life will never be the same without Latifa, but the memories she leaves behind will remain lasting treasures in the hearts and lives of those too numerous to count.

1946 was a time of recuperation and reflection. With the end of World War II just a year past, people of the world were still nursing the wounds inflicted upon their farms, cities and people. Harry S. Truman was the President of the United States and Winston Churchill was the leader of England. For the household of Mabashir and Rosalie Chawdhury of Detroit, Michigan, the 8th of August, 1946, was a time of joy. It was on this day that their beautiful daughter, Latifa, was born. Latifa was one of two children in her family, and enjoyed a typical childhood growing up in Southwest Detroit with her sibling Maria. Her father earned a living as a boiler maker, but always made time for family on the weekends. Latifa fondly remembers going fishing with her father every Sunday, or they went to Belle Isle Casino for lunch. Her mother would also take her and her sister to the Bagley Theatre to see movies on occasion. Latifa was very bright and an excellent student in school. She won the Spelling Bee one year and received a dictionary as the award – which she has to this day.

Latifa was a social butterfly from her earliest moments. She played outside for hours with her neighborhood friends, many of which remained lifelong friends. As a teenager, Latifa wasn’t seen without her “gang” of friends. They would spend the day walking all over the neighborhood, sometimes stopping to help a neighbor in need – shoveling snow in the winter or going to the store for them when they couldn’t get out. Music and dancing were always part of her social scene, and Latifa would often sneak out to meet up with friends at the Blind Pigs (a local bar that served beer after hours, which was illegal) to dance and mingle. Being social in her neighborhood was how Latifa met her future husband, Ramon Hernandez; she was friends with Ramon’s mother and aunt and hung out together many times. Eventually, Latifa and Ramon were married and shared 46 wonderful years together.

After graduating from high school, Latifa found work at a bindery. After marrying, they soon had children, and Latifa left her job to devote herself to the role of a mother. She took great pride in raising her children, Michael, Deanna and Katrina, with strong values and manners, and she demanded respect from them, which was easy to give because of her unconditional love and devotion. Even as grown ups, her children stayed close to her, calling at least once a day, sometimes to get advice or just to catch up on family “drama” or upcoming events. To Latifa’s surprise, her children put together a surprise 25th wedding anniversary party for her and Ramon, which so warmed her heart. Once Latifa was blessed with her precious grandchildren, her heart softened and she spoiled them with love and attention (and less discipline). For Latifa, family was the greatest source of happiness in her life; her children and grandchildren were the greatest gifts and blessings of them all. So much so, it was important to Latifa to research her family heritage, and she was happily surprised when she discovered unknown relatives in St. Thomas, including 3 siblings, John, Edith, and Julie.

Outside of family, Latifa had many interests and activities that kept her busy on a daily basis. After 16 years of raising her children, Latifa went back to work at several local credit unions as an accountant, and through her strong work ethic, eventually worked her way up to Assistant Manager. She loved to travel, crochet and sew, listen to Motown music, and was a faithful member of her church. Her friends were like family to Latifa, and every relationship was important to her. Latifa lived, loved and treasured every blessed day with her family and friends. It was said that she was a “perfectionist who lived with an imperfect family,” yet if asked Latifa would not have changed anything for the world – not even her husband’s “unconventional” sense of humor. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Latifa Hernandez passed away on Friday, March 13, 2015, at the age of 68. Beloved wife of Ramon. Loving mother of Michael, Deanna (Michael) Arnott and Katrina (Adam) Wilson. Dearest grandmother of 8, and great-grandmother of 3. Visitation will be on Friday, March 20, from 2-9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. rosary at our Neely-Turowski Life Story Funeral Home, 30200 Five Mile Rd (between Merriman and Middlebelt). Mass on Saturday, March 21, at 10:30 a.m. (in state at 9:30 a.m.) at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church; 1050 Porter St. - Detroit, MI 48226. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to HPH Hospice; 37445 Clinton Ave. - Dade City, FL 33525. You may sign the guest book, upload photos and sign the guest book at www.TurowskiLifeStory.com