Annie Alvarado Wilkinson

Annie was born on July 26, 1934, to parents Jesus R. and Carmen (Briano) Alvarado. She was the oldest girl in their family of 9 children. Her early years were spent working in cotton fields and picking grapes and tree fruit. Her formal education was completed by 8th grade when she left school to work and help care for her younger siblings.

In 1964, Annie met the love of her life, William (Bill) Wilkinson. She loved to tell the story of when she first met Bill and how he declared that she was the woman he would marry. His prediction came true as they wed on September 10, 1965, and were married for 47 years. They went on to have two children, Maria and William (Bill). Annie became a homemaker and dedicated her life to raising her children, and later her grandchildren.

Annie was a wonderful cook and baker. She was well known for her persimmon cookies and her cranberry bundt cakes, which were her specialty at Christmastime. Annie She never forgot a birthday, and always made sure to send her loved ones a card to commemorate their special day. Annie had a knack for giving people, and even things, cutesy nicknames, which would inevitably work their way into everyone’s vocabulary. One of her favorite pastimes was watching her nightly telenovelas, and then calling her sister Virgie to go over all the juicy details.

In her later years, Annie’s biggest adventures happened in her travels to Hawaii, where she often visited to spend time with her great-grandchildren. She also loved her weekly visit to From Head to Toe Salon, where she was doted on from the moment she walked through the door.

Annie served as Marshall for the Sociedad Progresista Mexicana, Logia No. 22. She made many lasting friendships with the women in her “club.”

Annie lived a very simple, quiet life, yet she touched so many people with her kindness and warmth. She will always be remembered for the immense love she showed her family, friends, and neighbors.

Annie was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Wilkinson, parents, Jesus and Carmen Alvarado, and brothers Jess Alvarado, Manuel Alvarado, Nick Alvarado, and Richard Alvarado.

Annie leaves behind daughter Maria Wilkinson of Hanford; son Bill and daughter-in-law Julie Wilkinson of Hanford; stepson Steve and daughter-in-law Elane Wilkinson of Virginia Beach, VA; and devoted siblings Virginia Alvarado Torrez of Hanford; Joe and Joyce Alvarado of Santa Clara; Robert and Lucy Alvarado of Hanford; and Gloria Alvarado of Hanford. She will also remain forever in the hearts of her grandchildren, Jennifer and James Robinson, Jerret Garcia, Kelsey and Chris Wiltshire, Samantha Gardner, Lily Wilkinson, Alex Wilkinson, Katie Wilkinson-Shumate, Garrett Frimodt, and, her pride and joy, great-grandchildren Brody and Avery Robinson.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held on Monday, March 20, 2023, at 10 a.m. followed by a short remembrance at 10:30 a.m. at People's Funeral Chapel, 501 N. Douty Street, Hanford. Burial of both Annie and her beloved husband Bill will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Hanford Cemetery, 10500 10th Avenue, Hanford. Potluck reception immediately following at the Hanford Elks Lodge, 506 N. Douty St., Hanford.