Kelly Marie (Bessette) Hernandez

Kelly M. Hernandez, age 53 of Steven Point, passed away on Monday September 1, 2025 at Cherry Meadows Hospice, Appleton. After a short battle with cancer. 

Kelly Marie Hernandez was born April 26, 1972 in New London, WI, daughter to the late Robert S. & Mary E. (Neely) Bessette. Kelly lived a “colorful ” lifestyle and had many friends from all different walks of life. She found herself a home to settle into in October of 2020. This is when she decided to try a clean slate; and for the very first time in many years she could say those words. She was trapped by her past, and a second chance didn’t come easily, even though she’d been honest about her journey. Kelly had been homeless for numerous years, spent time in prison and treatment programs; she had come a long way. The RentReady program gave her this second chance, and her mentor, Torri Bradley, has helped see and bring out the good in her. 

Kelly is survived by her children: Trevor Bessette 
Sisters: Crissy (Jeff Hoffmann) Wenzel & Lynn (Matt) Peeters
Brother: Tony (Dana) Bessette
Sister-in-law: Jane Bessette
Brother-in-law: Kevin Wenzel
Nieces & Nephews: Emily (Terry Peeters)Wenzel, Brady Wenzel, Casey Wenzel, Sassie (Josh) Keil, Nikki (Matt) Ziebell, Tyler (Missy) Bessette, Abby (Travis) Bowens, Kyle (Ashley) Bessette, 
Great-nieces & nephews: Eleyna Wenzel, Alice Peeters, Jaxton & JJ Keil, Ashton & Sawyer Ziebell, Morgan, Mason, Merek, Megan, Myles Bessette, Parker, Logan & Fischer Bessette, Gavin Welch
Special friend, Mike Smith
Her mentor: Torri Bradley
Her cat: Midnight
Many other aunts, uncles, & cousins

Kelly was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Pat Bessette. 

A special thanks to the staff at Cherry Meadows for the level of compassion and kindness. 

A memorial gathering will be held 1-8 PM on Friday, September 5, 2025 at Pavillion #2 in Hatten Park, New London. (801 Werner-Allen Blvd. New London, WI 54961)

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Kelly's name are preferred to be directed to her family to help with her final expenses. (Crissy Wenzel, 125 Deschane Ave. Crivitz, WI 54114)  Any remaining funds will be directed to the Humane Society. 

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville, is assisting the family with arrangements.