Pontiac School Board Trustee and Animal Rescuer April Hernandez Dies
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Nov. 26, 2016)
Pontiac, MI – Pontiac School Board Trustee and animal rescuer April Hernandez died Saturday, succumbing to cancer.
The Pontiac School Board announced Hernandez’s passing, stating “The Board of Education for the School District of the City of Pontiac would like to express our condolences to the family of Trustee April Hernandez. We are here for you.”
According to a gofundme page, “April Hernandez passed away early November 26th 2016, leaving behind her mom Sandy, husband Carmelo, and their 2 sons Xavier and Jordan. She had no life insurance and Sandy has been out of work to stay by her side to do everything she can for April. April has touched so many of our hearts and has done so much for the community including starting her own pet rescue and being a board member for the Pontiac School District. The funds will go towards paying off medical bills and funeral expenses. Anything helps and if you cannot afford to donate please leave a kind comment.”
Hernendez had resigned as President of the School Board in 2008, citing health problems. She came back in 2014, giving a passionate speech about coming back in spite of having cancer, and about her role as someone that asks a lot of questions. The Auburn Hills resident was proud to be a voice for the communities in the Pontiac Schools that surround the bigger city.
She is also the founder of Semper Fidelis Pet Rescue, according to the group.
School Board President Brenda Carter said she’d grown close to Hernandez and her family since she returned to the Board. “I was with her two nights before she passed. Her last request to me was to bring her board packet. We often would go over her assignments. She said that being on the board kept her alive. She fought the disease til she could not fight any more. I miss her terribly,” Carter said. ” She was a valiant advocate for educating Pontiac School District children.”
This post will be updated if more information becomes available. Here is video of the 2014 swearing in that includes Hernandez’s speech at about 10 minutes in.
UPDATE: Funeral for April Hernandez will be at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W University Dr, Rochester, MI 48307. Viewing Thursday 3-8. Additional viewing on Friday from 10-11 Service at 11:00 a.m. Guest book at Pixley Funeral Home on line. Please leave comments or post any pictures you have of April.
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