Rosa Juana Hernandez
October 1, 1953 – April 16, 2025

Rosa Juana Hernandez was born on October 1, 1953, in Arcata to her loving parents Josephine and Juan Hernandez. She grew up in McKinleyville and later made her home in Eureka, where she spent most of her adult life.

Rosa devoted many years to working in her family’s Mexican restaurants—first at Mona’s Café, then La Paloma’s, and finally Luna’s. In her 30s, she took a cake decorating class that sparked a lifelong passion. Self-taught and exceptionally talented, Rosa created beautiful wedding cakes for friends and family throughout the years.

Her compassion extended beyond the kitchen; Rosa had a gift for caregiving and spent many years working with the elderly, offering kindness and support. She was a devoted member of the Eureka Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses and was deeply involved in community service and breast cancer charity work. Known for her generosity and spirit, Rosa was always the first to help plan a celebration or lend a hand where it was needed.

Rosa passed away peacefully on April 16th at St. Joseph Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

She is survived by her daughter Mia Swarts; grandchildren Kevin Swarts and Alicia Riggs; sisters Linda Combs, Jessie Quijano, and Ruby Luna; brothers Manual Contreras, Art Hernandez, Nick Hernandez and John Hernandez; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and her large spiritual family in the Jehovah’s Witnesses community.

Rosa is preceded in death by her son Joshua Aven Blake; her parents, Juan and Josephine; her uncle Joe Rodriguez and aunt Sara Papageorge; brothers Johnny and George Contreras, Tony Hernandez; sisters Margaret Gentleman and Mary Hernandez; and her cherished nephews Curtis Combs and Raymond Hernandez.

A family celebration of Rosa’s life will be announced later this summer.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Rosa Juana Hernandez’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.