Lourdes Granda Alvarez

Alvarez, Lourdes Granda, 97 passed away Monday, February 22, 2021 at her home and surrounded by her children and several grandchildren. Lourdes was born in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba on October 2, 1923 to Fernando and Mercedes Granda, both Spanish immigrants who preceded her in death. Lourdes was married to Pepin (Jose Arturo) Alvarez for 59 years until his death in 2006. Lourdes is preceded in death by a sister Mercedes Rodriguez and a brother Hernan Granda. Lourdes is survived by her brother, Fernando Granda (Virginia) and her sister Magali Granda Tanner. Lourdes leaves behind seven children: sons Joe Alvarez (Patti) and their sons David and Daniel; Ralph (Patty) and their sons Michael, Kevin, and Mark; Bobby (Kathy) and their son Brian; Jorge (Suzanne) and their children Jorgie and Louie; daughters Luly Alvarez Socias (Alex) and their daughters Stephanie and Christina; Ana Socias widow of Freddy Socias and their children Jenny, Lizzy, and Fernando; and Celina Thompson (Weegie) and their children Amanda, Will, and Joey. Lourdes also leaves behind sixteen great-grandchildren.

Lourdes and Pepin married in 1946 with lives dedicated to each other and their family. In 1960, a revolution broke out in the hills behind their home. After a night spent in Communist interrogation, Pepin announced they were leaving Cuba. With that, Lourdes, Pepin, their six small children, and one nephew fled their home to build a new life in the US. Theirs was a partnership, a labor of love. Upon arriving in Miami, their youngest child was born and with God’s grace they managed. Their ever-present faith guided every decision.

Lourdes reinvented her life to guide and support her family in a way she never had before. She learned to sew, paint, cook, and provide for a family of 9 all while learning a new language and culture. She never complained or had a selfish day. Her every action was a reflection of the grace, strength, and elegance that garnered the respect and love of others. Lourdes was a collector of people; from her tennis group at Palma Ceia Country Club, to Pepin’s business associates, the recently widowed friend who she showered with kindness, and her classmates in Cuba. She loved them all and stayed in touch with each in a very personal way. Lourdes and Pepin were very active members of Christ the King Catholic Church. Together they attended daily mass. Lourdes was a Eucharistic minister and volunteered for St. Joseph’s hospital and Meals on Wheels. Lourdes’ only wish was that her children know how much she loved them. What she didn’t know is how much more she was loved by them.

Lourdes loved her family, lived her faith, and died in God’s grace. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 26 at 10am at Christ the King Catholic Church 821 S Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33629.