Mary-Alice Hernandez, known to many as Lala Soto, passed away at 9:55pm (MST), Friday, March 8, 2019. Lala passed peacefully, surrounded by those she loved most – nieces, nephews, siblings, parents, and children.
Lala Soto was born on February 15, 1966, in Los Angeles, California to Richard and Esperanza Soto. She was raised in Gardena, California and graduated from Gardena High School. After high school, Lala worked as a telephone operator and supervisor for GTE/Verizon Wireless. She remained a resident of Gardena, CA until 2005, when she moved her children to Mesa, Arizona so that she could be closer to her father, stepmother, siblings, nieces, and nephews.
In Arizona, Lala worked a variety of data entry and customer service oriented jobs, while also volunteering with her beloved USA Amateur Boxing as a judicial official. Lala gained more friends and family by welcoming, loving, and accepting everyone she met. There was always room for one more person in Lala’s heart.
She is survived by her three children, Edward, Lydia, and Matthew; her father and step-mother, Richard and Hilda; her siblings, Steven, Brenda, Jennifer, and Elisa; her nieces and nephews, Steffany, Monique, Deanna (Goldie), Breanna, Richard, David (Runty), Alexys, Ariana, and Jacob; great-nephews, Iyzaya, and Isreal; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Services will be held from 6:00 to 8:00pm (MST) on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201, with a Rosary starting at 7:00pm. The funeral mass will be held at 11:00am (MST) on Friday, March 15, 2019 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 141 North Macdonald, Mesa, Arizona 85201, ending with a procession to Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, 1562 East Baseline Road, Mesa, Arizona 85204, for a burial at 1:00pm.
Flower arrangements may be sent to Bunker’s Garden Chapel, located at 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201.
Lala’s family thanks you for the continued love and support. She loved being a mom, aunt, sister, and daughter and was truly the world’s best.
To the Family of Mary Alice Hernandez,
So sorry to learn about the loss of your Dear Loved One, Mary Alice. Please know that so many people share your grief with you to help you through this difficult time of sorrow. Please accept my deepest condolences as we await the time when Christ Jesus will awaken all those who have fallen asleep in death; including your Beloved, Mary Alice.
(John 11:41-44)