Linda Hernandez

Linda Bela Hernandez passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 1, 2026, in Lansing, Michigan, at the age of 78. She was born March 23, 1947, in Lubbock, Texas, to Domingo and Marcelina Bela.

In 1969, Linda made the courageous decision to move to Lansing, Michigan with her two young daughters to begin a new chapter. She dedicated herself to a career at General Motors, where she worked faithfully for 40 years before retiring. Her strength, determination, and work ethic were evident in all she did.

Linda embraced life fully. She enjoyed going out with friends after work, traveling “up north” to her beloved cottage, snowmobiling in the winter months, and most of all, spending time with her cherished family. Watching her daytime soap operas was one of her favorite daily rituals — especially The Young & The Restless and The Bold & The Beautiful.

Above all, Linda’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother to her daughters, Melissa and Sherry; a proud grandmother to Alyssa, Elias, Nicholas, and Ariella; and a loving great-grandmother to her eight great-grandchildren. After retirement, she lovingly helped raise her great-grandbabies — something that brought her immeasurable happiness. Alyssa would often tell her, “You babysitting our kids is what keeps you alive and young, girl!” — a testament to the vibrant spirit she carried.

Linda leaves to cherish her memory her grandchildren: Alyssa (Zeke Sr.) Glover, Elias “Sergio” Hernandez, Nicholas Hernandez, all of Lansing, Michigan, and Ariella Hernandez of Portland, Michigan; her eight great-grandchildren: Savannah, Angelo, Massiah, Alexandra, Haiden, Aubrianna, Millianna, and Elias Jr., all of Lansing; her brothers, Rudy Bela and Epifanio Bela; and her sister, Felis Arebalo. She also leaves behind many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends, including special niece Kokie; special nephew Roland; special sisters-in-law Lydia Sepulveda and Margie Gauna; her friend Pearl; honorary granddaughters Juanita, Maggie, Renee, Ashley, and Daisy; and honorary grandsons Dustin, Dontae, and Demato.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughters, Melissa and Sherry Hernandez; her parents, Domingo and Marcelina Bela; her brother, Domingo “Mac” Bela; her sister, Lydia Bela; her niece, Nancy Arebalo; and her dear friend, Bertha Velasquez.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Sepulveda and Gauna families, UofM Health – Sparrow Hospital, and Paradise Funeral Chapel & Arrangement Services for their compassionate care and support.