Hilda Maldonado (née Fernandez), 81

September 21, 2025

Hilda Maldonado (née Fernandez), 81, of Chicago IL, passed away on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at home in Lancaster, PA, where she had spent the last 6 years of her life. She was born on May 16, 1944 in Mexico to the late Noemi Frausto and Arnulfo Fernández in Sacramento, Chihuahua, Mexico.

The family migrated to the U.S. in 1955 as farmworkers, first arriving in Dousman, Wisconsin, then Des Plaines, Illinois, and eventually settling in Chicago where she met her ex-husband Juan Maldonado, Sr, with whom she had 3 children.

Hilda is survived by her loving and caring husband Angel Arroyo, her son Dan Maldonado, her daughter Diana Maldonado; her daughters-in-law Karen Maldonado and Lisa Maldonado; four sisters, Magdalena Mesa, Rosa María Fernández, Dora O. Hernández; four brothers, Ezequiel Fernández, José Luís Fernández, Arnulfo Fernández, Jr., Hector Fernández; and six Maldonado grandchildren Caitlin, Griffin, Tom, Alyssa, Daniel and Nick.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Jaime Fernandez, her sister Raquel Fernández, and her son Jon Maldonado.

Before becoming disabled by debilitating migraines and chronic pain at too young an age, she worked tirelessly to provide for her family. She spent time in factories, waitressing, as a real estate agent, as a social worker, among many other positions. Through all of this, she remained focused on the wellbeing of her children and grandchildren. Known for always speaking her mind—her care-givers often called her a “straight-shooter,” her family and friends will also remember her most for her style, determination, fierce strength, and love of TV true crime dramas.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025, between 2:00 – 6:00 at La Hacienda de los Fernandez, 1571 W Lake St. Addison, IL 60101. If you have an anecdote or special memory of Hilda that you would like to share, we would love to hear it, as this will be a celebration of her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Casa Central*, which has been providing compassionate in-home care in the Chicago area to Latino and other senior adults for over 40 years so they can remain safe and independent as they age. It was the assistance of such subsidized care that Hilda was fortunate enough to live at home until her death.
The family wishes to thank Angel Arroyo for his everlasting love and self-sacrifice to Hilda during her many years of need; Lancaster General Hospital where she was graciously cared for when needed in her last years; The Heart Group in Lancaster and Home Health Services in Lancaster for their considerable and committed care and support.

*Casa Central is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization so your donations are tax-deductible. www.casacentral.org