Carmen began her school career in Zapata, Texas and graduated High School in Hebbronville, Texas. She attained a Bachelor’s degree at Pan American University in Edinburg, Texas followed by her Master’s degree at Texas A & I University in Kingsville, Texas. Throughout her journey of getting educated, she also raised her five sons and daughter.
Carmen’s legacy in her community was her contribution to teaching young children at the Elementary School for over 30 years. These students grew up to be active members and leaders in her community and other cities. Her love for teaching extended beyond the classroom as well. Her eldest granddaughter became an early reader due to her teaching the fundamentals at home.
Carmen was an active member of the Hebbronville Museum. Her cheerful smile and positive attitude certainly made meetings exciting. Her comments were many times funny. This was true at home as well. She told jokes and loved to see her family laughing when they were all together.
Carmen, as busy as she was, always took good care of herself and loved to gather with friends and family. She always found a way to keep in touch whether it was via phone call or a card in the mail. (Her address book was falling apart due to excessive use). Her tenacity to show up for everyone, including herself, was always something to be admired.
Carmen was the epitome of strength. Through losing loved ones, and dealing with her own health issues, she never let any obstacle bring her down. She was an active member of the Catholic Church and had profound love and devotion to knowing and following God’s word. Because of her faith, she always remained calm in times of worry. She loved to share her wisdom with those she loved. She was selfless and a true caregiver.
Carmen was the pillar of her family. She supported her children by attending all family events. She was a loyal supporter to her sons who became educators and coaches, following them and her grandchildren, who were in extracurricular activities, to playoffs and championships.
Carmen enjoyed life. She was often the last one to leave the party. She loved cooking and baking for her loved ones and she had an open door policy at her home which made everyone feel welcome. She had an infinite love for family and friends. A true blessing to those that crossed her path.
Carmen was reunited in Heaven by her parents, Eulogio and Elsa Mendoza; husband, Roberto Alvarez; son, Romeo Alvarez and brothers, Lauro and Roel Mendoza.
She leaves a legacy of many fond memories that will forever be treasured by her sons, Roberto (Marina) Alvarez Jr. of Zapata, Rene (Adela) Alvarez of Zapata, Ruben Alvarez of Hebbronville and Rodemiro Even Alvarez of Harlingen, Texas; daughter, Rosario Alvarez Garcia of Zapata; daughter-in-law, Annabel Gonzalez Alvarez; brothers, Eulogio (Lesvia) Mendoza Jr. of Hebbronville and Jose Antonio (Alice) Mendoza of Kingsville; sisters-in-law, Ercilia Mendoza of Grapevine, Texas and Lourdes S. Mendoza of Hebbronville; 13 grandchildren, Rita Rae Alvarez, Roberto Alvarez III, Adela Renee Alvarez-Ortiz (Abram Ortiz), Rene Eli Alvarez Jr., Venessa Garcia,Roberto Garcia, Elsa Angelica Alvarez, Jennifer Laura Alvarez, Constance Lee Alvarez (Troy Gonzalez), Alexandra Lenora Alvarez, Gabriella Marizette Alvarez, Alexa Marie Alvarez and Camilla Rose Garcia; eight great-grandchildren and many extended family members.
The family will receive condolences on Sunday, June 23 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at Funeraria Del Angel Howard-Williams, Hebbronville; with a holy rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 24 2024, at 10:00 a.m., at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. A rite of committal and interment will follow at New Hebbronville Cemetery.
Acting as pallbearers will be Roberto Alvarez III, Rene Alvarez Jr., Roberto Garcia, Eulogio Mendoza III, Eduardo Mendoza, Joe A. Mendoza and Javier Mendoza.
