The community of Lawrence, Massachusetts, is deeply saddened by the passing of Felipe Hernandez, a 20-year-old who fought a courageous battle against depression and anxiety. Felipe passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2024. The heartbreaking news was shared by the Acting Out! Theater Company in a social media post: “It’s with profound sadness that I share this with you. I was contacted by Kate Hernandez letting me know that her son Felipe passed away on Sunday.”
Who Was Felipe Hernandez?
Felipe Hernandez was the beloved son of Jorge and Katherine “Kate” (Lennon) Hernandez, born on April 27, 2004. Felipe attended Central Catholic High School and St. Augustine’s in Andover, as well as schools in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Throughout their school years, Felipe was an active participant in the cross-country, swimming, and diving teams. Known for giving the nicest hugs and having a sweet, sensitive soul, Felipe enjoyed the outdoors and was deeply committed to spreading love and kindness in the world.
Felipe’s empathy and sensitivity were notable traits. They accepted people with various opinions with grace and recognized the importance of diverse perspectives. Felipe’s experiences motivated them to pursue studies in psychology and pharmacy, utilizing their aptitude for chemistry and the social sciences to help others.
Felipe was a passionate theater enthusiast, performing for several summers at Acting Out in Lawrence and the Shakespeare camp Advice to the Players in Sandwich, New Hampshire. Felipe was also a proud and involved member of NAGLY, a North Shore LGBTQIA2S+ youth advocacy group. Their love for the arts extended to music, where they had a beautiful singing voice and played the guitar and piano.
Felipe’s inclusive and accepting nature, coupled with their good heart, made a lasting impact on those who knew them. They were fully committed to everything they undertook, even donating their organs after passing, continuing their legacy of giving and compassion.
Felipe Hernandez Obituary and Funeral Service
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Sunday, July 14, 2024, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street, Methuen. A non-denominational celebration of life will take place on Monday at 11:00 AM in the funeral home chapel. Attendees are encouraged to celebrate, honor, and recognize Felipe through expressions of remembrance. Visitors are also welcome to bring photos or memorabilia that held special significance to them and Felipe, to add to an ofrenda (memorial altar) on display over the course of the two days.
A Community in Mourning
The passing of Felipe Hernandez has left a profound void in the hearts of their family, friends, and the broader community. Felipe’s dedication to making the world a better place, their love for the arts, and their commitment to helping others will be remembered and celebrated by all who knew them. The community is rallying together to support the Hernandez family during this incredibly difficult time, sharing in their grief and honoring Felipe’s memory.
Felipe’s legacy of kindness, compassion, and unwavering support for diversity and inclusion will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know them. As the community gathers to celebrate Felipe’s life, they find solace in the memories of their remarkable spirit and the love they brought into the world.
In conclusion, Felipe Hernandez’s passing is a significant loss for the Lawrence community. Their legacy as a talented, compassionate individual dedicated to making a positive impact will endure. As the community mourns this profound loss, they also celebrate the life of a young person who touched so many hearts and made the world a brighter place.
