Our beloved friend and receptionist, Mrs. Tonette Hernandez, lost her courageous battle with cancer this week. For those who have been a part of the James L. Collins Catholic School family during Tonette’s time there, we know that she had a true servants heart. She greeted everyone entering the doors of the school with a friendly face and the biggest smile. Something unique about her smile was that her eyes let you know that her smile came with deep care and understanding. She always worked hard to find a solution for whatever anyone needed because she cared immensely.  This care was shown to parents, coworkers, and most of all “her kids”, the students. Throughout her tenure at JLCCS she helped out wherever she could from driving the bus, supervising lunches and on the playground, typing and running copies, filling parent folders, translating for parents, helping with sick students, and many other tasks. It was not the tasks that defined Tonette, but it was the special way in which she carried out these tasks that brought love and joy to so many. Tonette served with a humble heart, only wanting to bring comfort, safety, understanding and love to others. She never sought recognition for her service and always lifted others up.

A GoFundMe page has been set up for medical and funeral expenses. If you would like to donate, go to gofundme.com and search for her name.  You can also drop off a donation at the school.  

You can also go here to Tonette's GoFundMe page.