Fay Duke Hernandez

Fay Marie Duke Hernandez, 66, passed away on Sunday, December 4, 2022.  One of 10 children, Fay and her twin Ray were born on May 23, 1956.  A nurturer from a young age, Fay was drawn to nursing and graduated from Charity School of Nursing in 1978.  Fay displayed decisive leadership in emergencies and was assigned as a head nurse very early in her career.  Later she transitioned to quality assurance, successfully leading hospitals undergoing hospital accreditation review.  Fay was respected and admired by colleagues and patients alike.  She advocated for her patients as she would a loved one, and for this they dearly loved her.

Mama Fay, as she was affectionately known by family and friends, was a little Mama to all whom she encountered.  When the school bus broke down one morning, sixth grader Fay safely walked all the children to school.  Fay had a gift for making everyone feel special.  Her heart was huge, so big it had room for more than one favorite; we were all her favorite.  Fay was always concerned how someone else was doing and believed it more important to understand than to be understood. 

Fay put people first.  She would drop everything to help someone in need.  She said that no one is ever remembered fondly for having the cleanest house but rather for how they treated others.  She was always ready for a chat, and we could talk to her about anything.  Accepting and non-judgmental, she loved us unconditionally.

Fay showed great courage, facing multiple health challenges with acceptance and grace.  She was a marvel of positivity, especially in the face of illness.  In her final days, she said she was very fortunate because she had loved and had been loved. That was our Mama Fay, always guiding us with her big heart.

Though Fay’s career was an important driving force, her greatest accomplishment in her life, as she would say, were her children.

Fay is survived by her children Nicole, Monique, and Daniel, and their fur babies Smokie, Zoey, and Bandit, respectively, and her former husband Danny Hernandez.   She is also survived by her siblings Jerry (Gladys), Ray (Kathy), Brad (Donna), Randy (Lori), Justin (Ann), Viv, Beth (Valerie), Beka, and Chelle, along with her LeBlanc, Duke, and Hernandez Aunts, Uncles and Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, Great-Niece and Great-Nephew.  She is preceded in death by her parents Jerry and Joyce Duke and by her beloved Yorkie George.

The family will receive friends Saturday December 10, 2022 from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm at Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home, 3827 Canal St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119.  A celebration of Fay’s life memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm in the Gerald L Schoen Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, Fay requests that donations be made in support of a cure for polycystic kidney disease.  Please visit:  https://pkdcure.org/give/

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