Received into heaven’s gate, Mary Jean Hernandez died on December 26, 2017 at her home in Manteca, CA.
   Mary Jean was born to Foster and Ann McDonald on September 24, 1934 in Lead, South Dakota. She grew up there attending south Lead grade school, central middle school, graduating from Lead high school.
   Upon graduation she moved to Fallon, Nevada and worked as a telephone operator.  It was there she met the “love of her life” Mike Hernandez, celebrating 63 years together. From Fallon they  moved to California via Antioch, Pittsburg, Concord, and Pleasant Hill finally arriving in Manteca in 2000.
   Mary Jean will be remembered for her kind and loving ways to everyone. She always thought of others before herself.  She enjoyed playing cards and games, golfing and doing jigsaw puzzles and was always ready for a new adventure anytime.  She was the happiest in her travels with  husband Mike, twin brother Larry, deceased, cousin/brother Don Laurenti to Arizona, Canada, Oregon, South Dakota and recently with long time friends Wayne and Helena Ulrich to Spain visiting relatives.
   Mary Jean looked forward to her morning walks and the afternoon cocktail with cousin Don and anyone else who would stop by be it motor home or at home. Her greatest delight was always in her love of the many dogs in her life especially the newest “Charlie” and “Rusty”.
   Her family was most important to her and she always had an open door for everyone they brought with them.  She will be greatly missed.
   Mary Jean is preceded in death by her parents, son Gary Hernandez, brother George McDonald, twin brother Larry McDonald, all within the last two years.
   She is survived by her husband Mike, daughter-in-law Janet Hernandez, daughter Sandra Hernandez, son James, daughter-in-law Andrea Hernandez, grandsons Michael and Adam Hernandez and one great grand-daughter Adelaya, and a few cousins.
   A service will be held on January 5, 11 a.m. at United Lutheran Church, 649 Northgate Dr., Manteca, with a lite reception following.  A celebration of life will come April 28, 2018, 12 noon at Chez Sharie, Manteca Golf Course.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday,  December 30, 2017