Maria De Jesus Alvarez

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Maria de Jesus Alvarez, on Monday, May 18, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Ciudad Guzmán, Jalisco, Mexico, on September 6, 1942, Maria lived a vibrant 83 years as a true force of nature.

She came to the United States in the late 1960s with the intention of working temporarily before returning to Mexico. However, those plans changed completely when she met Alvaro G. Alvarez, a quick-witted and charming young man from Colombia. The two fell in love and wed on September 12, 1970. Together, Maria and Alvaro worked tirelessly to provide for their large household. Their family included Alvaro's four children-Claudia, Angie, Alvaro, and Adriana-as well as Alvaro's mother, Maria Ignacia. Over the years the family grew even larger with the births of their three children, Gladys, Alberto, and Marybel.

In 1972, they bought their first property, beginning a lifelong journey in the real estate business, providing affordable housing to the community. Overcoming personal hardships and Alvaro's various medical struggles, they eventually expanded into farm labor contracting. This meant constant travel between Los Angeles and the Central Valley, which took a toll on the family; leading to the decision to permanently relocate to the Central Valley, ultimately settling in Porterville in January of 1985.

Here they took every opportunity that came their way, even establishing a small citrus packing house on the back of their property. Side by side, through hard work, sharp business acumen, and ultimate sacrifice, saving every nickel and dime, Maria and Alvaro built a legacy to give their children the opportunities they never had.

Even though life's struggles had only afforded Maria a second-grade education, she was incredibly good with numbers, percentages, and figuring out "good deals." She was smart, self-motivated, and remarkably hardworking. She was an excellent cook, and she took pride in preparing her family homemade meals. But what made her most proud of all were her children. While she was a stern "momma bear", she would defend us to no end. She raised us with strong foundational values, teaching us to be grateful, embrace a fierce work ethic, and to treat others as we expected to be treated. She emphasized the importance of not forgetting where we came from, keeping faith in God, and prioritizing honesty and respect. Inspiring us to always go the extra mile, exceed expectations, and remain humble. Her lifelong frugality was paired with generosity for those in need, and she always urged her children to lend a helping hand to others whenever possible.

Maria is preceded in death by her parents, Hermelinda Campos and Pedro Casillas; her grandmother whom she loved like a mother, Antonia Angel; her husband of 54 years, Alvaro G. Alvarez.

She is survived by her children, Gladys (and husband George Soto), Alberto Alvarez (and wife Josephine), and Marybel (and husband Benjamin Smith); step-children, Claudia (and husband Guy LePore), Angela (and husband Tony Maly), Alvaro R. Alvarez, Adriana (and husband Jorge Rivera); 18 grandchildren (1 of which she had part in raising and loved her like a daughter, Celeste Mesegue); 23 great grandchildren; sister, Dolores Campos Sanchez; 11 nieces and nephews, of which Elizabeth Sanchez had a special place in her heart.

A Visitation will be held at Myers Chapel in Porterville, California on Sunday, May 31, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Rosary will be held at Myers Chapel in Porterville, California on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 6:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anne's Church in Porterville, California on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 9:00 AM. Interment to follow at Exeter Cemetery.

Our mother was truly born a force to be reckoned with, and she kept that spark her entire life. She is and forever will be a powerful example to follow. While we will miss her deeply, we are comforted by the thought that she has now ecstatically, joined her "biejito", our father, the love of her life.