Minnie passed away peacefully in her Pittsburg home at the age of 92. She was born in Merced Falls, California, the oldest of 11siblings. She was the daughter of Juan Quaglia and Minnie Quaglia-Galan. Following graduation from Merced High School in 1939, she moved to Pittsburg to help her Aunt Carmen and Uncle Charlie Abeytia in their restaurant (La Ranchero?). She met her husband Jim Hernandez and they married on June 28, 1940.
Together they owned and operated the Bel Air Grocery Store on Cleveland Ave., in West Pittsburg (Bay Point) also known as "Minnie's Store". She had a beautiful life. She and her husband enjoyed cruising to many countries around the world. They loved dancing when the big bands when they were in the area. Served as Worthy Matron, Eastern Star of Pittsburg. Was Board Advisor for the Rainbow Girls and an active member of the Antioch Senior Center. In the 1939 Columbus Day Parade was a Princess in the Royal Court.
Minnie enjoyed her many friends that she made throughout her life. Her family was very important part of her life. After Jimmie passed away, his fellow Masons of the Pittsburg Masonic Lodge took great care of her and included her in all their social events and provided the transportation.
Minnie is predeceased by her parents, her husband Jim Hernandez, Sr. and sisters Carmen Saenz and Helen Giardina. Survived by 3 children; Gloria Soderbery (Bob) of Pittsburg, James Hernandez Jr. (Jan) of Auburn and Gary Hernandez (Clarice) of Martinez. Also survived by 4 grandchildren John Blakley of Pittsburg, James Blakley of Arizona, Amy Boggs of Concord and Mark Hernandez of Orinda; 7 Great Grandchildren, John S. and Nicholas Blakley, James V. and Charlotte Blakley, Sara, Jonathan and Samatha Boggs, Paige and Taylor Hernandez. 9 siblings, Rose Cavallaro, Ernestine Mac Lennan, Lillian Padilla, Gloria Quaglia, Sally Blake, John Quaglia, Robert Quaglia and Anthony Galan.
To her Grandson John Blakley and Great Grandson Nicholas Blakley, you were her Angels. A special blessing to you for all you did for your Grandma. A labor of love above and beyond.
Per her request, no services will be held. She wished only to have a private memorial. Donations can be made to Soroptimist of Pittsburg, P.O. Box 502, Pittsburg or Vitas Hospice 355 Lennon Ln #150, Walnut Creek, CA 94598.