Lorenza "Loriz" Medina Hernandez passed away peacefully at home on July 31, 2024 surrounded by loved ones at the age of 79. Loriz was the heart and soul of her family, providing warmth and support wherever and whenever needed.

Loriz was born on September 14,1944 to Jose and Isabel Hernandez in San Luis Porto Si, Mx. She married Robert "Bob" Hernandez in June 1969 and is survived by him, their three children and spouses Bobbie and Bobby Thompson, Robert and Rosa Hernandez, and Michael and Monica Hernandez. Loriz is also survived by her ten grandchildren Candice and Jay Chotirmal, Robert, Joseph, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Noah, Marshall, Matthias and Jaxon Hernandez, and her great-grandson Sanjay Aguilar.

Loriz's legacy also continues through the countless families she blessed with her love and care as a teacher. For decades, Loriz ran bilingual education programs for adults and migrants, and was also responsible for running a local preschool. As a dedicated teacher, she directed fundraisers to raise resources for her students to receive a quality education. She also provided support with amnesty-related work to educate the community on the documentation process. And during her summers and winters, Loriz would keep her students engaged through at-home study packets that she would personally deliver, as well as collecting and redistributing clothing and other resources among the community.

Words can't express how deeply Lorenza (Loriz) was loved and how much she will be missed.

Funeral Mass will be held on September 13, 2024 at  La Purisima Catholic Church (213 W. Olive, Lompoc) at 10am, followed by graveside service at Lompoc Cemetery (600 S C St, Lompoc). Loriz Celebration of Life will follow at The Mission Country Club at 1pm (4300 Club House Road, Lompoc).