Sara Lupe Alvarado

Although Santa María del Oro was just a tiny town in Durango, Mexico, it had one redeeming quality. It was the birthplace of Sara Lupe Alvarado (née Aguirre). She was born on November 26, 1926, to Heraclio Aguirre and Petra Castro-Aguirre. Married at a young age, Sara made a family with her husband, Juan Manuel Alvarado. Together, they raised their five children.

Regardless of where she called home, you could call it home, too. At any time of the day you could walk in the front door, which she never kept locked, because all were welcome. You could sit down, eat a plate of warm frijoles with homemade tortillas, a torta, or any other simple meal that was made with her own two hands. Although the meals were simple, they were delicious, not only because of the fresh ingredients, but because it was made with love. That is what she based her life on – love. Whether you came into her home with an empty stomach or an empty heart, you could be sure to leave with both filled to the brim with love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Heraclio Aguirre and Petra Castro-Aguirre; loving husband, Juan Manuel Alvarado; brother, Vicente Aguirre; brother, Luis Aguirre; sister, Frances Berry; daughter, Irma Alvarado; son-in-law, Charles Pace; son-in-law, Gilbert Carrillo; grandson, Robert Mendez; and great-grandson, Deleon Dejean.

She is survived by her daughter, Faviola Vanessa Carrillo; son, Juan Manuel Alvarado and wife, Lupe; son, David Alvarado and wife, Norma; daughter, Yvette Alvarado-Marino, and husband, Randy; brother, Jesus Julio Aguirre and wife, Rosa; sister, Ofelia Molino-Torres and husband, Alejandro; brother, Fidel Aguirre; grandchildren, Sema Gregorski, Gustavo Mendez, Jessica Carrillo, Valerie Carrillo-Dugas, César Pace, Steven Pace, Erika Morales, Chris Pace, Juan Alvarado, Yesenia Sarabia-Peiker, Maribel Rodriguez, Iliana Alvarado, Sara DeWald, Danielle Armstrong, Marisa Marino, and Noah Marino; 24 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. However, she is survived by so many more, because in her mind, blood did not make you family, love did.

We love you, Mama. You will always be in our hearts, our minds, and our souls.