Gladys Hernandez, M.D. Obituary (1928 - 2019)

Gladys Hernandez, M.D. died December 13, 2019 in Lakeland, Florida at the age of 91. Born in Colon, Cuba on August 10, 1928, Gladys attended convent boarding school from an early age. She earned her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the University of Havana. After immigrating to the United States in 1963, she completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Florida Medical School in Gainesville, FL. During her long medical career, she practiced psychiatry (in both private office and hospital settings) in Tennessee, Florida, and Georgia. Gladys loved to travel, especially to Europe, the Holy Land, and her homeland of Cuba. One of her most cherished travel memories was meeting Pope John Paul II in a private audience at the Vatican and asking him to pray for the people in Cuba; he immediately did so and prayed in Spanish with her. A few months after this encounter, the Pope visited Cuba (for which Gladys would in jest take credit!). Gladys also enjoyed listening to classical music, spending time with her grandchildren, reading, and crossword puzzles. Gladys was preceded in death by her son Raul Aportela. She is survived by her children Alfred Aportela, Lupe (Tom) Eichelberger, and Teresa (Bill) Sergott, and by her grandchildren Jay (Liz), Eric (Brittany), Tony, Grace, Eli, and Maggie. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Mabel Aportela and a host of other family members. A memorial service for Gladys was postponed initially due to the inability of some family members to travel and then because of COVID-19 pandemic precautions. The graveside service and the interment of Gladys' ashes next to her son Raul's gravesite is scheduled at 11 am Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at Lithonia City Cemetery. Rev. Vincent Sullivan, Christ Our Hope Catholic Church, will officiate. The family plans to hold a celebration of life ceremony once it is safe for travel and large gatherings.