Obituary of Elizabeth "Beth" A. Fernandez

Elizabeth Ann (Beth) Fernandez

August 4, 1961 – October 22, 2024

Elizabeth Ann (Beth) Fernandez of Eden NY passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on October 22, 2024. 

Beth taught Spanish at West Seneca East High School for 31 years, serving as department chair until her retirement in 2021.  She also served as a building representative for her local union, West Seneca Teachers Association.  Beth loved the challenge of teaching and had a special place in her heart and work for students who needed the most help and support.  Her colleagues describe her as fierce, loyal, honest, and “true blue.”   Many have expressed the positive impact she had on her students and on their own teaching practice.  Beth loved books, fishing, Americana music (John Prine was her favorite) and Scrabble.  She loved her family, her school community and Friday Happy Hours.

Beth was preceded in death by her father, John F. Blatner, her mother, Dorothy Blatner Laco, her step-father, Emil Laco and her sister, Marcia (Jeffrey) Vann.  She is survived by her loving husband, Javier “Jay” Fernandez, their son, Juan, siblings Donna (Patrick) Hughey, William (Mary Cowhey) Blatner, Jane (Daniel) Thompson and Peter (Shanon) Blatner.  Beth was adored by her many nieces and nephews and by her large extended family in south Texas.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.  The family asks that donations be made in Beth’s name to Doctors Without Borders in lieu of other expressions of sympathy.

Words of sympathy may be left on www.LaingFuneralHome.com