Eva Saenz Alvarado

Eva “Lani” Saenz Alvarado was called to be in the eternal rest of Our Lord on Tuesday, March 22, 2017. Eva was born in Benavides, Texas on October 26, 1925 to Jose de la Luz Saenz and Petra Esparza Saenz. She was one of nine siblings. Eva was predeceased in death by her husband, Luis Alvarado Sr. She is survived by her son, Luis Alvarado Jr. (wife Linda); Daughter, Zulema “Susie” Condello (deceased son-in-law, Joseph P. Condello); Grandchildren: Nick and Kristi Alvarado, Charisma and Mark Villarreal, Monica and Mark Neff, Alina Alvarado, Dr. Carlo Luis Condello (Alysha), Sarabeth Alvarado, Caryn and Eric Trevino, and Analiza Alvarado, fourteen great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Eva is survived by her brother, Jose de la Luz Saenz II and sister-in-law, Edelmira Saenz, as well as numerous and loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Eva spent most of her pre-college days in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. She graduated with honors from Edinburg High School. During WWII she joined the Cadet Nurses Corps. The US government awarded her a scholarship to Incarnate Word School of Nursing in San Antonio, Texas. In 1946 Eva graduated as a registered nurse. She returned to Edinburg, Texas to work at Grandview Hospital where she became the first Mexican-American staff nurse and night supervisor. Eva and Luis moved back to San Antonio, where she encouraged her husband to pursue a degree at St. Mary’s University. While he worked on his degree, she worked at Santa Rosa Hospital pediatrics unit. Eva continued her nursing career in civil service at Fort Sam Houston Hospital (orthopedics) from 1954 to 1969. She spent the last years of her nursing career at St. Benedict’s Hospital and the Sarah French Nursing Home where her focus was geriatrics.

Eva worked hard all her life so she and her husband, Luis, could provide their two children with a Catholic education in the private Catholic schools and universities of San Antonio.

In an effort to promote family love and unity, Eva established the first annual Saenz Family Reunion on June 22, 1970. In order to promote college degrees among the Saenz family, she established the Saenz Reunion Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school family member on merit every year. Currently the Saenz Family Reunion is held every two years.

Eva was a past president of the Santa Rosa Hospital Nurses Alumni. She was a member of the Ladies LULAC Council, auxiliary member of the American Legion, G. I. Forum, and St. Benedict’s Hospital and Nursing Home. Eva is the great-great granddaughter of Gregorio Esparza, a hero of the Battle of the Alamo.

In their retirement years, Eva and Luis attended daily mass. They were also honorary Marianists at St. Mary’s University. Eva was a member of the Legion of Mary at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Both Eva and Luis led exemplary Catholic lives and set a Christian example for their family members.

In keeping with Eva’s wishes, a private funeral was planned. In lieu of flowers, masses or donations can be sent to St. Vincent De Paul at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in her memory at 7892 Grissom Rd, San Antonio, TX 78251.

Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria Del Angel Roy Akers, San Antonio, TX.