The late Nancy Fernandez, a revered Taekwon-Do grandmaster from Buffalo, has left a monumental void in the hearts of her family, friends, and the global Taekwon-Do community. Grandmaster Nancy Fernandez passed away, marking a profound loss for all who knew her.
Nancy Fernandez was a trailblazer in the martial arts world, being the first Muslim woman to achieve a 9th-degree black belt in ITF Taekwon-Do globally. Her journey spanned over five decades, during which she nurtured countless martial artists and created a nurturing space for learning and growth throughout Western New York and beyond. Her legacy is one of inspiration and empowerment, touching lives far beyond the confines of the dojo.
Master Andres Muniz shared his sorrow, saying, "For me, it is a very sad day as my Sister GM Nancy Fernandez has passed away. She was always there in moments of difficulty and happiness. I will always remember your late and early calls talking about life, your love for Taekwon-Do, and your love for Puerto Rico and the USA." He added, "She always had in her mind the teaching of her Master & Teacher, GM Joong Park Soo, and the efforts that GM Don Dalton is doing to continue the legacy of ITF Taekwon-Do worldwide, especially in poorer countries."
Grandmaster Dalton Taekwon-Do also expressed his condolences: "Dear Taekwon-Do Family, I am so sorry to hear about our recent sad, sad loss with the passing of Grandmaster Nancy Fernandez. She was a special person, a rare diamond. Irreplaceable."
In the wake of her passing, Nancy’s children are facing significant financial burdens, including the costs associated with her end-of-life care and funeral arrangements. To help ease this burden, her son Naheem Fernandez has organized a GoFundMe campaign titled "Help Carry Forth Nancy’s Inspiring Legacy." The campaign aims to raise $11,000 to honor her final wishes and support her family during this difficult time.
Despite the grief and financial strain, Nancy Fernandez’s spirit continues to inspire. Her legacy of love, service, and dedication to Taekwon-Do and her community will resonate for generations to come. As Grandmaster Dalton Taekwon-Do aptly put it, "May she rest in peace."
Note:This post was written and edited by Savannah Carter, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.