Matilde Josefina Morel Franco, the mother of Dominican artist Maridalia Hernández, died on Monday night in Santo Domingo following health issues, relatives said.
Her family confirmed her passing in an official statement distributed on social media, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of their relative.
Morel Franco was the widow of Julio Alejandro Hernández Santelises, who passed away in 2019. She is survived by her daughter Maridalia, her son José Julio Hernández Morel, and her grandchildren Camila Jiménez Hernández, Gabriel Hernández, Sebastián Hernández, and Daniel Hernández.
Viewing and funeral schedule
Friends and family will gather to pay tribute to Morel Franco on Wednesday, September 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Blandino funeral home on Abraham Lincoln Avenue in the National District of Santo Domingo.
Following the viewing, the burial service will be held at the Máximo Gómez National Cemetery in the capital city.
Family statement and legacy
In the official family message released online, relatives announced the departure of their adored Matilde Josefina Morel de Hernández with profound sadness.
The statement remembered her as an adored and admired mother, wife, grandmother, and aunt to all who had the good fortune of knowing her during her lifetime.
Her family stated that her energy, strength, and faith would remain forever in their hearts as part of the beautiful legacy she leaves behind, adding that her love and memory would live on among them as she rests in peace.
Background on Maridalia Hernández
Maridalia Hernández is widely regarded as one of the finest vocalists in Dominican music history. Born in Santiago de los Caballeros, she rose to international prominence in 1984 as a founding co-lead singer of the legendary tropical music group 440 alongside Juan Luis Guerra.
She later built a distinguished solo career performing merengue, Latin pop, and traditional ballads, earning recognition as a cultural ambassador for the Dominican Republic across the Spanish-speaking world.
Historic venues in Santo Domingo
The Blandino funeral home on Abraham Lincoln Avenue is a premier funeral establishment in Santo Domingo, frequently hosting services for prominent Dominican cultural, political, and public figures.
The Máximo Gómez National Cemetery, situated in Santo Domingo, is one of the capital's main burial grounds, named in honor of the Dominican-born military commander General Máximo Gómez.
