Onaida Fernandez

Onaida Fernandez February 4, 1922 - January 13, 2021 With profound sadness, we announce Onaida “Onie” Fernandez was called to the Lord on January 13, 2021, at age 98. A life-long resident of Tampa, Florida, Onie was born and raised in Ybor City, the daughter of Raul and Isabel Auli. Ask someone to share a story with you about Onie, and they’ll tell you about constantly-stocked candy jars, unforgettable lentil soup, and kindness that touched everyone who affectionately called her “Abuela.” She was a beloved co-worker at Children’s Medical Services, where she worked for many years before retiring at 91 years old. Onie lived an extraordinary life as a caring wife, mother, and grandmother. More than anything, Onie cherished her family. She instilled in each child strong values and a proud and relentless work ethic. She will be dearly missed and forever in their hearts. She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 43 years, Francisco Fernandez, Sr., and in her passing is finally reunited with the love of her life. She is survived by her loving son Frank and his wife Patty. She was a proud grandmother to Frank Fernandez, III., E.J. Fernandez and his wife Gina, Joseph Ochoa, Jessica Eckley, and her husband, Shawn. She also leaves eight great-grandchildren (Frankie and wife Lauren, Devin, Kelsey, Evan, Holden, Landon, Jackson, and Carsyn) and three great-great-grandchildren (Everett, Cruz, and Drake). The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Ramon Chang Adult Family Care home for the exceptional care and concern provided in Onie’s final days. A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ybor City at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 23. A short visitation will be held prior to the Mass beginning at 10:30 a.m. Masks will be required, and for everyone's health, we politely ask guests to limit physical contact and maintain a respectful distance. A private interment will follow at Myrtle Hill Cemetary. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation to the Alzheimers Association or Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. La bendición, Yae Yae. You will be forever missed.