Cruz Alvarado

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Cruz Hernandez Alvarado, who departed this life to be with her Lord Jesus Christ and husband of 67 years, Joe G Alvarado, on January 8, 2025, at the age of 91.

She was born on May 3, 1933 to Jorge Arogones Hernandez and Martina Gamboa Garcia in Artesia, NM, and lived a life full of love, strength, and grace.

Cruz graduated from high school in 1951 with aspirations of becoming a nurse, inspired by her older sisters. She began her journey in healthcare by working as a candy striper for one year, demonstrating her passion for helping others. Due to health issues of her own, she chose to focus on her family as a homemaker, bringing the same dedication and care to her role as a farmer's wife to Joe, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all who knew her. She devoted her life to her family and serving others, always placing their needs above her own and being a source of wisdom, kindness, unwavering faith, and unconditional love.

Cruz indeed had a servant's heart and, for a while, was an active volunteer, social worker, and Activities Director at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home, where she enriched the lives of countless residents. A passionate advocate for education, she was a proud member of the Artesia Literacy Council, teaching English as a second language to those in need. Her faith guided her in her work as a past teacher and Director of Religious Education (CCD) at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, where she nurtured the spiritual growth of many children. As a devoted member of the 3rd Order of Saint Francis, Cruz exemplified the importance of following Jesus Christ, sharing the joy of communion with God and creation, making the Lord known and loved everywhere, spreading the spirit of fellowship and living simply.

She will also be remembered for her passion for painting, ceramics, artwork, sewing, reading, and spending time with family. She especially enjoyed camping and outdoor activities with her husband Joe in the nearby Sacramento and Guadalupe mountains. She also taught us the importance of love, resilience, and cherishing the time we have with those we hold dear.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Joe Alvarado; brothers Carlos Hernandez, Ramon Hernandez, Bonifacio Hernandez, and Fernando Hernandez; sisters Dominga Marquez, Juana Perez, Jila Briseño, Juanita Johnson, Essie Juarez, and Florence Diaz; grandson Jessie Alvarado; and great-grandchildren Kalynne Marie Flores and Matthew Dakota Alvarado.

She is survived by her sons David Alvarado (Martha) of Artesia, NM, Oscar Alvarado (Refugio) of Las Cruces, NM and Joseph Alvarado 0f Artesia, NM; daughters Sylvia A Flores (Richard) of Artesia, NM and Anna Maria Barrera of Artesia, NM; 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, who will forever honor her memory by living with the values she instilled in them.

The family invites you to join us for a time of visitation beginning at 8:30am on Monday, January 13, 2025 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, followed by the prayer of the Rosary at 9:30am, and the celebration of the Funeral Mass at 10:00am. Afterwards, our beloved Cruz will be laid to rest next to Joe at Woodbine Cemetery. The Mass will be officiated by Reverend Raphael Nwosu, Deacon Tony Torrez, and Deacon Richard Rodriguez. Pallbearers will be Stephen Flores, Robert Flores, Michael John Alvarado, Anthony Barrera, Brayden Flores, Micah Flores, Matthew Chavez and Johnny Chavez.

Though we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the extraordinary life she lived and the legacy she leaves behind. Rest peacefully, Cruz. You are loved beyond measure and will be deeply missed.