Iris Lua Hernandez

Iris Lua Hernandez passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2014, after a short and unexpected illness, despite a number of interventions and some excellent medical care from the medical staff at Ochsner Medical Center, Jefferson, New Orleans. She received the sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church.
Iris was the beautiful and beloved mother of her only son Derrick Lua Hernandez. She was the eldest daughter of Lolita Concepcion Lua Schulze and the late Patricio C. Lua Sr., both originally from Cebu, Philippines. After her father’s early death, Iris became the source of strength for her mother and the mainstay of the family.
She was the loving, caring sister of Irma, June, May, Fritz, Cherry, Rex and Judy; sister-in-law to Peter Allan, Nicky Aranas, Maricor Lua, Butch Undag, Marilou Lua, and Eddie Espiritu. She is survived by many nephews and nieces living in the United States and in the United Kingdom; her relatives in Canada, New Zealand, the Philippines, Qatar, and the United States; and by her faithful and supportive friends all over the world.
Iris graduated from St. Theresa’s College in Cebu City, Philippines, with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She went on to teach at St. Theresa’s College and also at The University of the Philippines before coming to New Orleans, Louisiana. With a full time job at LSU Health Sciences Center and a son to raise, she attended postgraduate evening classes with determination and tenacity, at the University of New Orleans. She graduated with a Master of Science in Counselor Education, with straight A’s, and had the distinction of being awarded the prestigious title of “Student of the Year”. In 2011, after 34 years of service, she retired from the LSU Health Sciences Center as Manager of Operations in Human Resources.
To everyone she met, Iris always had her winning smile and gentle touch; she was a ray of sunshine and kindness to all who knew her. She was always cheerful, generous, thoughtful, simple and sincere. At all times, she was positive in spite of adversity and ever hopeful. She will be greatly missed by her family, relatives and many friends to whom she had lent a helping hand throughout her short, meaningful and purposeful life.
As a wise friend puts it, “Life keeps death in its proper place when we are with those whom we love.” With grateful thanks to God from the Lua Family.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm on Friday, March 7, 2014, at Mothe Funeral Home, 2100 Westbank Expwy, Harvey, LA 70058.
Everyone is invited to attend the Funeral Mass at 1:30 pm at Christ The King Catholic Church, 535 Deerfield Rd, Terrytown, LA 70056.
Interment will follow at Westlawn Memorial Park & Mausoleum, 1225 Whitney Ave, Terrytown, LA 70056.