Patricia Hernandez

Patricia Ruth Hernandez, lovingly known to most as “Pat,” was born on October 29, 1948, in Bunkie, Louisiana. She left this world on August 19th, 2026, at her home in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Pat lived a life marked by connection, courage, laughter, and an extraordinary capacity to love.

To know Pat was to love her. She could—and would—talk to anyone. A stranger could quickly become a friend, and a brief conversation could easily turn into a story, a laugh, or a piece of advice that stayed with you. Pat had a way of making people feel seen, heard, and welcome.

Pat is survived by her beloved wife, Diana Blocherer, and their children, Holly and Quinn. She also leaves behind a variety of siblings, nieces, nephews, extended family, and far too many friends to count.

One of Pat’s greatest accomplishments was her 41 years of sobriety. Her journey became a source of strength to others. She was a sponsor, mentor, confidante, and trusted advice-giver to anyone who sought her wisdom and support. Pat never seemed to forget what it meant to need a hand reaching out—and she was always willing to offer hers.

Pat retired from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, starting as manager of the print shop and working in various areas, finally retiring as the Director of Organization Development. In all her work roles, she used her ability to approach with calmness, intent, and her knack for creating safe, effective and productive systems of communication and workflow. She filled those years with the people and experiences she loved most: time with family and friends, loving on dogs, cooking, vacations to Disney World and Dollywood, playing cards, and, above all, doting on Diana.

Pat was also deeply passionate about Northern Lights Alternatives’ AIDS Mastery workshop. As a facilitator, she brought her own special gifts to the workshop. She led with a calm demeanor, offered gentle nudges when they were needed, and—true to Pat—infused even important and difficult work with laughter. She understood that healing and growth could coexist with joy.

The Northern Lights Alternatives slogan is “Live with Passion.” Pat lived with passion, loved with passion, laughed with passion, and showed up for the people around her with an open heart.

Those who knew Pat will hear her voice in their memories, smile at something she would have said, and perhaps find themselves talking to a stranger—because Pat taught us that there was always room for one more connection.