Mary Grace Hernandez Fink Grace Fink passed away on Sunday

Mary Grace Hernandez Fink Grace Fink passed away on Sunday January 26, 2025, four days before her 67th wedding anniversary to her beloved husband Bob. Together Grace and Bob loved, supported, and enjoyed their family - five children, twelve grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren, most of whom were able to be with Grace in the final days before she passed. She is survived by them as well as by two of her loving sisters, RoseAnn Hernandez of Las Cruces, NM and Julie Richardson of Albuquerque. Another sister, Elodia, preceded her in death. Born Maria Altagracia Hernandez on March 20, 1935, in Albuquerque, NM to Albina and Edmundo Hernndez, Mary Grace learned early on the importance of family and faith, community, and culture. In Albuquerque, she taught young girls traditional Mexican and New Mexican folk dances, counseled young women at the NM State Welfare Home for Girls, and organized many social activities while a student at the University of New Mexico (UNM). While at UNM, Grace was selected to be in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. Decades later Grace, a life-long Lobo, was appointed to the UNM Alumni Board of Directors. Grace's busy social schedule and occasional academic studies at UNM did not stop her from being a frequent spectator at the UNM baseball games, where she had her eye on the "brown eyed handsome man" playing second base, Bob Fink. After a brief courtship, Mary Grace Hernandez became Mary Grace Hernandez Fink on January 30, 1958. Fast forward to August of 1966 when Bob and Grace Fink moved to Lakewood Colorado to raise their five children: Mike, Rick, Gary, Kathy, and Larry. Behind Grace's sparkling eyes and vivacious smile was an open and loving heart coupled with a fierce drive and unwavering determination to help others. Throughout the 58 years she lived in Lakewood, CO, Grace held various positions and supported numerous causes that aligned with her values of family, faith, community, and culture. Grace was a Staff Assistant for both Congressman Dan Schaffer and Colorado Governor Bill Owens, volunteered for many Jefferson County organizations such as the Scientific and Cultural Council, Republican National Hispanic Assembly, and Women's Republican Club, served on the Board of Directors of the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, and led various school organizations like the Parent Teacher Association and the Athletic Boosters Club. One of Grace's signature achievements was being part of Congressman Dan Schaffer's team that brought professional baseball to Denver. Grace and Bob spent many afternoons and evenings in the stands at Coors Field watching their cherished Rockies. Combining their love for baseball with their humanitarian instincts, Grace and Bob were a host family for many young Rockies players from Latin America. Grace made the young men feel more at home talking to them in their native tongue (Spanish) and making them a familiar meal of rice and beans. Grace loved nothing more than the family gatherings that ranged from celebrating birthdays / graduations / weddings / baby showers and preparing and hosting holiday meals (especially making tamales). If Grace was there, you could be assured there would be plenty of love and laughter. The best way to summarize the life of Mary Grace Hernandez Fink is to say that she left the world a better place. A funeral Mass was held on February 14, 2025 at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Lakewood, CO and a celebration of life was held on March 22, 2025 at Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lakewood, CO. Donations can be made in her memory to the University of New Mexico Foundation or to a charity of your choice. For more information, visit www.horancares.com