Obituary of Carmen Hernandez

Carmen Hernández (nee Ruiz), age 92, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 16, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born January 11, 1932, to the late Esperanza and Francisco Ruiz. Carmen and her family moved to the Joliet area in the 60s and she spent the last few decades residing in Elwood.

Her life was centered on faith and family. She was a hard worker who always found time for things she was passionate about. She had many jobs throughout her life but was best known for the dozens of tamales she made weekly. Her green thumb kept her in her garden all summer. She loved animals and had many pets that she cared for, especially her birds. She loved shopping, enjoying margaritas with her family, and spending her Friday nights at St. Mary’s playing bingo with her friends.

She is preceded in death by her sons, Vincent Gutierrez, Robert Lopez, Robert Salazar, Sam Gutierrez, Jr., David Gutierrez, and Victor Gutierrez Sr.; and grandchildren Michael Anderson, Christopher Salazar, Victor Gutierrez, Jr., and Jeremy Carr.

She is survived by her children, Aida (Sal) Gutierrez, Fernando (Patricia) Lopez, Mario (Dottie) Lopez, Maria “Letty” Franchini, Sue (Humberto) Salcedo, JoAnne (David) Campos, Carmen (Domingo) Contreras, Robert (Melinda) Gutierrez, Jerry (Patty) Gutierrez, Monika Gutierrez, Carlos Gutierrez, Matthew Gutierrez Sr., Matthew Gutierrez Jr.; and over a hundred grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation for Carmen Hernandez will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home at 3200 Black Road (at Essington) in Joliet, IL from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. from the Funeral home to St. Joseph Catholic Church at 416 N. Chicago Street in Joliet, IL with services starting at 10:00 a.m.  Interment will be held directly after at Woodlawn Memorial Park II in Joliet, IL.

For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com.