Roll Call Tribute

Published in Austin American-Statesman on April 9, 2011

Kathleen Soliz Hernandez
Kathleen Soliz Hernandez, 24, of Austin, passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning with her family at her side. She was born in Corpus Christi on September 3, 1986, to Ricardo and Yvette Soliz. She spent her childhood in Hebbronville and Zapata before moving to Austin in the eighth grade. On December 7, 2001, Kathy was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, while a freshman at Bowie High School. She graduated with honors in 2005 and was preparing to attend Texas A&M University when she relapsed in July 2005. In August 2007, while in remission, she married Heriberto Hernandez. She loved Herbie very much and enjoyed a brief sense of normalcy before a relapse in October 2007 and June 2009.

From the time she was very young, Kathy was a self-described "tree hugger" and was often referred to as "mother nature" by her family. She was an avid reader, loved intellectual debates and conversation and was passionate about animals. Kathy loved art, museums and independent films. She intended to pursue a career in mental health and had a desire to provide assistance to those experiencing health related trauma. The courage and grace she demonstrated during her illness endeared her to her family, friends, caregivers and even those she'd never met. An inspiration to all, Kathy never lost her fighting spirit or her sense of humor. Her perseverance served as affirmation of a greater good and the incredible strength of the human heart. Kathy's life will be defined by her indomitable spirit, rather than her illness. Kathy's compassion and love for life grew inside of her since the day she was born and provided strength to all who loved her. Kathy made those around her better people. While Kathy today is in the presence of love and compassion on a level we cannot comprehend, from the day she entered our lives she allowed us to discover the better angels in each of our souls.

The family would like to express gratitude to all of the family, friends, and caregivers who supported Kathy throughout her battle. Kathy always said that the doctors and nurses made her experience bearable. Staff from the Dell Children's Hospital Green Unit/Four North were particularly special to Kathy, as was Dr. Donald Wells, who was like a father figure to her.

She is survived by her husband, Herbie and his family; her parents, Ricardo and Yvette; sister Michelle Huerta Martinez, and her husband Eddie of Zapata; brother Ricky Soliz of Austin; grandparents Guadalupe and Yolanda Canales of Hebbronville; grandmother Beatrice Soliz of Hebbronville; aunts: Sylvia Martinez and her husband Jay of Zapata, Laura Canales and husband Hector Dominguez of Hebbronville, Judy Diaz and her husband Jose of Houston, Jessica Guerrero of Houston; uncles: Victor Canales of Austin, Loreto Canales of Hebbronville, Gilberto Soliz of Austin, Michael Soliz and his wife Nora of Austin, Jose Soliz of Premont, Arnoldo Soliz, Jr. and his wife Leticia of LaPorte, Rene Soliz of Humble; her dogs Kody and Pistol; and many beloved cousins.

The family will welcome visitors at the Angel Funeral Home, 1600 South 1st, Austin, on Saturday, April 9, 1:00 p.m. -2:00 p.m. with a procession following to San Jose Catholic Church, 2345 Oak Crest Ave, Austin, where a funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. Please don't wear colors of mourning - Kathy loved springtime and would want you to share happy memories of her. Please consider a donation in Kathy's honor to The Marrow Match, P.O. Box 15705, San Antonio, TX 78212.