Our beloved mother and grandmother, Aurora M. Alvarez, who many knew as "Toncha" joined our heavenly father peacefully in her sleep on January 2, 2023. Toncha was born on December 29, 1930, in Durango, Mexico, she had just celebrated her 92nd birthday.
Toncha was married to Antonio E. Alvarez from 1953 to 1970. They owned and operated Alvarez Fruit Stand and a farm for many years in Las Cruces. Toncha worked at the Hanes company as an inspector as well as at La Posta de Mesilla.
Toncha was a hard-working woman with an entrepreneurial spirit. She regularity sold her handmade ceramics and crafts with her daughter at the Las Cruces Downtown Farmers Market and at the Old Mesilla market on the weekends for well over 30 years. She could easily be spotted by one of the many large hats she loved to wear.
In her later years she enjoyed spending time with her family and watching the Price is Right, Jeopardy, and the Wheel of Fortune. Her highlight was watching NFL games. You could always find her cheering on her favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys! She kept herself busy and sharp by continuing to crochet baby blankets and dish towels until her last days.
She is preceded in death by her son, Tony Alvarez Jr., grandson Michael Valenzula, and her nephew Miguel Alvarez.
Toncha is survived by her loving daughter Rose Alvarez, her granddaughters Laramie and Landri Medina, who were her joy. She was awaiting the birth of great-granddaughter, Arlington, whom she had been crocheting a baby blanket for. She is also survived by her son's family: granddaughter Jennifer Gonzalez (Antonio), her great-grandson Xavier Gonzalez, and granddaughter Carolea Fields-Alvarez. Also left to mourn are numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Her daughter wishes to thank the following for their assistance in the care of her mother: Her daughters, ClearCare's wonderful caregivers, the medical staff from Sun City Home Care, and Bertha Valenzula. The family would also like to thank the pallbearers who were very special to her: Tommy Valenzula, Victor Arrieta, Joe Arrieta, John McDowell, and Laramie Medina
Visitation will be held on Monday, January 9, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a Service to start at 6:00 PM at Martin Funeral home at 128 N. Resler, El Paso, TX 79912.
Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at 10:00 AM at Memory Gardens of the Valley in Santa Teresa, NM.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com for the Meraz Alvarez family.
