Neighbor News
Obituary: Nahira Ashyade Hernandez-Newson
A beloved and cherished wife, mother, and grandmother passes away Monday 24,2025.
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Nahira "Nany" Ashyade Hernandez-Newson, who departed this life on March 24, 2025. Known affectionately as Nany, she was born in Arecibo (Puerto Rico) on November 9, 1966.
Nahira leaves behind her loving husband, Charles M. Newson, whom she married in 1989, three years following their meeting in 1986. She is survived by her children, daughter Bianca Newson and son Charles L. Newson, and cherished granddaughter, Isabella Mellon. Her father, Leonides Hernandez, also survives her; she was predeceased by her mother, Gladys Rivera.
Nahira was a lifelong learner who valued education. She graduated from elementary school on June 26, 1980, then went on to successfully complete her high school education at William H Wells High School in 1984. She crowned her educational journey with a Bachelor of Science from University of St. Francis in 2004. Her intellectual achievements were noticed by the International Honor Society in Business Administration, leading to her election as a member of the Delta Kappa Chapter in 2005. Her working career concluded with her retirement in 2023.
Through the years Nahira immersed herself in volunteer work. Most notably gifting her enthusiasm to the Chicago Police Explorers in her younger years, the Lincoln Park Zoo, and more recently mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters, all dear to her heart.
Nahira was a woman of many interests. She loved cooking Puerto Rican cuisine for family and enjoyed the music of Marc Anthony as well as many other Latin musicians. She savored a wide variety of books, more than one could list, and was a dedicated fan of True Crime and Procedural Dramas. Her favorite films include timeless classics such as The Godfather series. A sports enthusiast, Nahira cheered for the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Blackhawks, and Green Bay Packers.
Nahira loved to spend time playing a variety of games, reading, and most importantly, talking with her family and friends, whom she cherished and who brought her immense joy. Her home island of Puerto Rico was her favorite getaway. Passionate about God's creations, she was an active advocate for causes related to it.
Nahira's vivacious personality was known and loved by many. Those who knew her best describe her as witty, direct, engaging, and passionate. To approach all you do with passion or not at all is among the many lessons she left for her posterity. This speaks volumes of her indomitable spirit. She took great pride in her family and considered the completion of her degree as one of her proudest achievements.
In death as in life, Nahira leaves behind a legacy of fearlessness that will continue to inspire those who knew and loved her.
