Maria Olivia Alvidrez, 83, passed away on Friday, December 13, 2024, surrounded by her loving family in El Paso, Texas. Olivia was born in Cusihuiriachi, Chihuahua, Mexico on September 12, 1941. She was preceded in death by her father Enrique Orozco, mother Eutimia Medina, and her sons’ father Manuel Bustillos.
Olivia’s mother brought her and her younger sister in 1952 to El Paso from Juarez. Mom attended Douglas Elementary, completing one year of education in the 6th grade before hardships led her to take on the role of supporting her mother and younger sister. Mom dedicated 45 years to JCPenney, starting from stocking shelves and rising to managing departments. Her perseverance, kindness, and fairness left a lasting impact on her coworkers and the many friendships she formed there. The environment and family atmosphere she created many still remember today. Her hardships softened her heart, and she was known to kindly give back to those less fortunate. Mom often donated to El Segundo Barrio, Clinica La Fe, Machos, and Sacred Heart Church with Father Gafford.
Mom adored her two boys, who were here pride and joy, and she cherished her grandchildren as they grew over the years. Every Sunday was a special tradition at her home, where she welcomed family to share meals, laughter, and memories around the table. Mom’s love for cooking was evident in the recipes she passed down to her granddaughters, who helped carry on her and grandma “Tima’s” cherished holiday traditions of making biscochos and buñelos. These moments of family togetherness remain a treasured memory for all who shared them. Mom was known for her no-nonsense personality and sharp wit. Her memorable quips, like ‘Oh, yeah sure’ and ‘Ask me if I care,’ always sparked laughter and brought joy to her family.
She was survived by her husband, Louis Alvidrez; her two sons, Victor Manuel Bustillos and Alex Bustillos; six grandchildren - Michelle Marie, Sarah Christine, Melissa Yvette, Jared Alexander, Trinity Skyla, Braelyn Aria; nine great-grandchildren – Mia Ashlynn, Gabriel Daniel, Marilyn Rose, Alexander Cloud, Isla Elizabeth, Nevaeh Marie, Eli Ernesto, twins Brena Blue and Jaina Eve; one great-great grandchild Mateo Naveen; her sister Alicia Frayre; and her three nieces and nephew.
Pallbearers are Victor Manuel Bustillos, Alex Bustillos, Jared Alexander Bustillos, Gabriel Daniel Uranga, Ernesto Chacon Jr. and Julio Cesar Quijas.
Visitation will be held Thursday, December 26, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Ave, El Paso, TX 79903. Funeral service will be Friday, December 27th at 8:30 AM at Funeraria Del Angel Central with interment to follow in at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery.
