Dulce Maria "Kuki" Hernandez, a social butterfly who brought sunshine into the lives of countless children and adults, passed away peacefully. Born on September 13, 1958 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to the late Jose Antonio Reyes and Dulce Maria Paredes, Dulce Maria embarked on a life filled with adventure and a deep love for her family and community.

A Life on the Move

Dulce Maria's spirit was as vibrant as the journeys she took. At the young age of 15, she arrived in the United States, settling in Passaic, New Jersey. In 1981, her adventurous spirit led her to Anchorage, Alaska, where she began her fulfilling career as a home daycare provider. Several years later, she landed in Central Falls, Rhode Island, where she continued nurturing young minds. Driven by a passion for advocacy, Dulce Maria became a fierce champion for home daycare providers in Rhode Island, fighting to secure health insurance for all. Rhode Island’s state house steps likely still bear the echoes of her determined spirit during countless daycare field trip protests.

A Passion for People

Dulce Maria's love transcended borders. She was equally passionate about helping others in her adopted home and in her beloved Dominican Republic. As her children grew and ventured out on their own paths, Dulce Maria found a new adventure working for Disney in Florida. This role perfectly suited her social butterfly nature, allowing her to spread joy and laughter wherever she went. Later in life, Dulce Maria spent cherished time reconnecting with her roots in the Dominican Republic.

Forever Cherished

Dulce Maria leaves behind a legacy of fierce love, unwavering generosity, and an infectious passion for life. She is survived by her children, Glendaliz, Alexis, and Manuel Colon, who lovingly fulfilled her every wish and stood by her side until the very end. Her legacy lives on in her eleven grandchildren: Yulanie, Devonte, Jayden, Tycen, Zaylin, Sofia, Kaylee, Brandon, Andrializ, Ysabella, and Andres. She is also mourned by her daughters-in-law, Amanda and Meghan, and son-in-law, Michael. Her siblings, Carmen Dilia, Mayra, Aida, Norys, Jose, and Betty, and her many nieces and nephews, will forever cherish the memories they shared with Dulce Maria.

Farewell to a Force of Nature

Dulce Maria's absence will leave a void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 13th 2024 from 5:00pm - 7:30pm in the Keefe Funeral Home, Five Higginson Ave., Lincoln. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Hope Hospice & Palliative Care.

May Dulce Maria's vibrant spirit and unwavering love continue to inspire those she leaves behind.