Southbridge : Maria A. (Alicea) Hernandez, 90, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 20th, in her home surrounded by her family, after a long illness.

Her husband of 63 years, Marcelino Hernandez, passed away in 2019.  She leaves her five sons, Marcelino Hernandez, Jr. and his wife Kimberly of Orlando, FL, Teodoro Hernandez of Southbridge, Pablo Hernandez and his wife Beth of Holden, George Hernandez and his wife Lynn of Southbridge, and Enrique "Henry" Hernandez of Kissimmee, FL; her daughter, Maria Delcarmen Rodriguez of Southbridge; her brother, Catalino Alicea of Southbridge; her two sisters, Severina Rios of Southbridge and  Maria Socorro Alicea of Southbridge; many grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.  Her son, Roberto Hernandez, passed away in 1984. She was also predeceased by three brothers, Juan Alicea, Roman Alicea and Nazario Alicea and her sister, Inez Melendez-Aponte.  Maria was born in Orocovis, Puerto Rico, the daughter of Pablo and Nicolasa (Alvarado) Alicea.  She and her husband moved to Southbridge in 1958 and was one of the first families from Puerto Rico to move to Southbridge.

Maria worked at the American Optical Co. and later Aearo Co. in Southbridge for over 40 years, retiring many years ago.  She was a devout Catholic and a longtime member of St. Mary's Parish (now St. John Paul II Parish).  She prayed the rosary daily.  Maria was also the founder of the Spanish prayer group in Southbridge, El Sagrado Corazón de Jesús.  She was a very giving person, through the years she had given a place to live in her home to those first moving to Southbridge from Puerto Rico.  She also would feed everyone who visited her.

Her funeral will be held on Saturday, January 24th, from the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, with a Mass at 10:00am in the St. Mary's Church of the St. John Paul II Parish, 263 Hamilton St., Southbridge.  Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Southbridge.  Calling hours in the funeral home will be held on Friday, January 23rd, from 5:00 to 7:00pm.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the VNA Care Hospice, Inc., 67 Millbrook St., Suite 500, Worcester, MA 01606.