Obituary of Donna Rose Hernandez

Donna Rose Hernandez passed away on Saturday, July 30, 2022 in Brooklyn, NY, at Calvary Hospital, Hospice Care Unit.

Donna was diagnosed with cancer in 2015.  She fought valiantly and never gave up hope. She lived her life with grace and loved deeply.  She was a miracle patient, having survived 7 years.  She was surrounded by family when she passed. 

As for her life, Donna was born in Brooklyn, NY to Henry and Margie Hernandez on June 18, 1963. 

In 1981, she graduated from John Dewey High School, in Gravesend, Brooklyn, a progressive social and educational school.   She remained in contact with John Dewey friends throughout her life. 

In 1983, Donna earned an Associates Degree in Business Administration at Kingsborough Community College.  She furthered her studies at Staten Island College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration and Management, and a Masters Degree in Education.  Over the years, she taught history, computer science, special ed, and business education, the subject she most enjoyed teaching.  She mentored many of her students in business acumen for which she was quite accomplished in her own personal life.  She still communicated with students from her teaching days.  Many have thanked her for helping them become the best they could be in their lives and careers.  

In her early teaching years, at Grady High School, Brooklyn, she was a paraprofessional teacher by day and a cheerleading teacher by night. She choreographed the moves, set the music, and designed the outfits for her lovely young cheerleaders.  She was also a dance teacher at Jack La Laine Fitness studios, Brooklyn, for some years.  

She has had the good fortune to have many friends.  Her last teaching job was at Madison High School in Brooklyn, NY, from which she retired shortly after her cancer diagnosis in 2015.  

Donna adored her cat, Bella.  She enjoyed sunsets, traveling the world, dinner with friends, hosting parties, music, dancing and bling!  She collected art and antiques.  She moonlighted as a NY licensed realtor which was her business passion.  

In 2021, she sold her Staten Island home and moved to her lovely Florida home where she wrapped herself in beauty, comfort and friendship.  Sadly, she had to return to NY in mid June 2022 where cancer soon took her life.  

Donna was not married and had no children.  She will be missed by her mother Margie, brother Greg and sisters Margie and Gina.

Donna is also survived by first-generation nieces Leslie, Akita, Melanie, Kelsey, Dana and nephew Cameron. 

Forever In Our Hearts

Funeral service will be held at Marine Park Funeral Home, 3024 Quentin Road, Brooklyn, NY, 718-339-8900.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 13, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM.  (A private family gathering to follow)

A Time of Remembrance and Sharing service will start around 2:00 PM.

Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, Route 81, Oak Hill, NY 12460 on Monday, August 15, 1:30 PM. (A family gathering to follow)

Donna wants us to have a CELEBRATION of LIFE, with a Mardi Gras twist.  As a special request, please consider colorful attire at her wake this coming week.  This is not a requirement by any means.   

Memorial Donations may be made to any cancer organization of your own choosing.  

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all our family and friends who showed loving support to Donna throughout her seven year fight with Cancer, and to Calvary Hospital/Hospice Care Unit, Brooklyn, NY for the excellent care and kindness shown to Donna in the last days of her life.