IN REMEMBRANCE OF NEFTALY HERNANDEZ

"The flame that burns twice as bright, burns half as long." - Lao Tzu

Anyone who met Neftaly "Titi" or "Neff" Hernandez knew she could light up a room with her vibrant spirit and zest for life. Titi was a loving soul. At times, she guarded the flame of her heart with a shy initial impression. With time and patience, one could eventually be let past the gate, and see how awesome she really was. It was like being let into a garden filled with the sweetest fruits and most beautiful flowers. With a big heart for her friends, family and strangers, she loved life and people.

She was the Oxford English Language Dictionary definition of a good friend. She was a loving, devoted, and loyal daughter, sister, and aunt. She knew how to make time together so enjoyable and fun. She would offer whatever she could to those in need, even if all she had to offer was her time and listening ear. Although she could be quite vocal with her disagreements, her direct communication style was admirable because she was always honest and non-malicious. Motivated by love, Titi saw the best in everyone and wanted the best for them.

Fiercely independent and determined, Titi was an innate leader and entrepreneur. She wanted complete autonomy and nothing less. Inherently adventurous, she delighted in dancing, hiking, and communication. A self-described "word nerd," she knew both English and Spanish and aspired to learn Portuguese someday too. She was also infinitely curious, always eager to learn something new and share it with others. Her creativity was also unmatched. Her friends and family enjoyed her baked goods, crafty practices, and artsy creations. She will live on in her artwork.

Titi was the second among her immediate family to earn an associates degree and she was due to be the first with a bachelor's degree. She was intensely motivated to achieve this goal for herself, her family, and her community. In fact, she dreamed of creating a job placement agency after graduation so she could help people of color and other disadvantaged individuals find steady employment. She really saw her future business as a way to give back and bless others with her unique talents.

She was also an incredible housemate. She knew how to make everyone feel at home, whether in her house or another's. She valued a neat and tidy dwelling and selflessly spent her time cleaning many messes that were not her own. She also stressed how important it was to listen to the right kind of music while cleaning!

Unfortunately, Titi was beset by health struggles for most of her life. As a result, she had an acute sense that our most precious resource is time. She made the absolute most out of every moment. She set an example for the rest of us to remember that our lives are indeed precious and nothing is guaranteed. Any time spent together with others must be cherished. Titi will be forever remembered by her friends and family as the bright and enthusiastic soul she truly was.

Neftaly is survived by her mother, Gloria Torres, Gloria's partner Frank Blazek, father Riquermi "Ricky" Martinez, sisters Dahiana "Nana" Hernandez, Henneses "Henny" Martinez, Fideliza Hernandez, Nilsa Hernandez, and Anny Hernandez, brothers Rick Martinez, Jr. and Ariel Hernandez, and nephew Kingston Antonio Hilbrands. Service Details. Visitation
When: Saturday, February 19th, 2022 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Location: Ofield Funeral Home
Address: 4500 Kalamazoo Avenue SE Kentwood, MI 49508

Service
When: Saturday, February 19th, 2022 3:00pm
Location: Ofield Funeral Home
Address: 4500 Kalamazoo Avenue SE Kentwood, MI 49508

Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event Ongoing Online Event About this event In Loving Memory Of Neftaly Hernandez December 17, 1993 - February 3, 2022 Look inside to read what others have shared Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book. View Tribute Book