Remembering Dr. Shelley Fernandez: 95 Years of Fierce Love and Unstoppable Justice - San Francisco Bay Times

"Dr. Joan Shelley Wilks Fernandez (Shelley Fernandez) understood that true empowerment required both sanctuary-building shelters for women in crisis-and strength-self-defense through judo. She built institutions that provided both-co-founding La Casa de las Madres, San Francisco's pioneering shelter for survivors of domestic violence; establishing Our Lady of Guadalupe Health Center, a free medical clinic to serve low-income women; and serving as President of San Francisco and National NOW (National Organization for Women); and this barely scratches the surface."

"On November 7, 2025, at age 95, the world lost one of its most tireless defenders for those who suffered-women, Latines, African Americans, Asian Americans, Soviet Jews, Native Americans, those impacted by HIV, Cubans in need, and gays and lesbians. Fernandez spent decades building institutions that would endure beyond her lifetime-each embodying her belief that women's liberation required both political power and personal empowerment."

"Fearlessly leading numerous demonstrations, including one alongside Cesar Chavez, Fernandez fought for the Equal Rights Amendment and abortion rights. She sued to integrate women and people of color into the San Francisco Police Department and advocated for the historic ordination of the first eleven Episcopal women priests. On national television, she debated anti-feminist activist Phyllis Schlafly. In a 2021 interview with The Noe Valley Voice, she vowed: "Until my last breath, I will do all that I can to help women.""

Joan Shelley Wilks Fernandez devoted her life to building institutions that combined sanctuary and strength for marginalized people. She co-founded La Casa de las Madres, established Our Lady of Guadalupe Health Center, and served as President of San Francisco and National NOW. Fernandez organized demonstrations, sued to integrate women and people of color into the San Francisco Police Department, advocated for the ordination of eleven Episcopal women priests, and debated anti-feminist activists on national television. She defended Latines, African Americans, Asian Americans, Soviet Jews, Native Americans, people affected by HIV, Cubans, and LGBTQ individuals, emphasizing political power and personal empowerment through judo until her death at 95 on November 7, 2025.

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