By Marta Grabowski

Mitzy Hernandez, who was only 20 years old, passed away recently from injuries sustained in a car crash. Mitzy attended Loy Norrix High School and ultimately graduated from Phoenix High School in 2010. When Mitzy was 16 she had her daughter Da’Nyiah. Mitzy somehow managed to continue with her education as well as provide the best for her daughter.

Mitzy went above and beyond to provide the best for her beloved daughter. Along with leaving behind a child, Mitzy also leaves behind many loving family members as well as many beloved friends.

Zuleica, one of Mitzy’s two sisters, feels that her sister was the best mother for Da’Nyiah.

“She worked everyday just so she could provide the best for her, but Mitzy always went above and beyond for Da’nyiah. She loved her more than anything. The night of her crash at the hospital she looked at me and told me ‘I love my baby so much, I really do!’ as tears ran down her eyes from the pain she was in,” said Zulecia.

Along with being a providing and loving mother, Mitzy was also a great friend.

“Mitzy was truly a great person and had a special bond or moment with everyone she ever met. When her own friends were down, even with having her own problems, she made sure they got through their own problems first. A great friend. She is a very energetic person with such a great personality,” said Zuleica.

Teriah Fleming, class of 2010 graduate, got to know Mitzy through her classes and is thankful for getting to have Mitzy as a friend.

“Mitzy was one of the most selfless people I have ever met. I got to know her a lot more over the years and got to see first hand how amazing of a sister and mother she was,” said Fleming. “I, like I am sure everyone who knew her, am grateful for the opportunity to know her.”

A service in celebration of Mitzy’s life will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2011 at 2:00 PM at Whitley Memorial Funeral Home.

Whitley Memorial Funeral Home

330 N. Westnedge Ave

Kalamazoo, MI 29007

269.488.2401