Julia Alvarez

Julia Cortez Alvarez, 89, of Harlingen went home to our Lord and Savior on December 20, 2021. Julia was born on January 29, 1932, in Alice, Texas to Refugio and Maria Cortez, who proceeded her in death. On September 14, 1956, she married her lifelong partner Pedro Alvarez of Harlingen and together they raised a family of four caring and loving daughters. Maria Luisa (Marylou) Alvarez, Sylvia Alvarez Cortez, Irma Alvarez Torres (Jose), and Christina Cantu (Israel). In their early years, they migrated to Dade City, Florida to work in the citrus industry, where lifelong friends were made. Once coming back to Harlingen, Julia became involved in the girl’s school as a member of the PTA at Stuart Place Elementary, being known for the family’s tamales at school festivals. In her free time, she enjoyed gardening and taking care of stray animals as well as feeding birds. She was an active member of the Queen of Peace Catholic Church and was devoted to Our Lady of Guadalupe, who carried her through life’s up and downs. Julia was a servant of God until the very end. Preceding her in death is her husband of forty-six years Pedro Alvarez; sisters Maria R. Moreno, Ernestina Rodriguez, Angelica Martinez, and brothers Ernesto (Neto) and Jesus (Chuy) Cortez. She is survived by sisters: Elia Leal Cortez, Maria Luisa (Licha) Herrera Cortez. She was a loving and nurturing grandma to eight grandkids: Marisa Maldonado, Veronica (Roni) and Carlos Cortez; Jonathan Andrew and Pedro Israel (Petie) Cantu; and Julia Renee, Rebecca Ann, and Marcos Isai Torres. As well as a great-grandma to Lucas Alexander and Carter Elias Maldonado. What brought her the most joy in life was attending all her grandchildren’s school events, she smiled with such pride and love. All services will be held at Rudy Garza Funeral Home, visitation will begin on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and a rosary at 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be on Thursday, December 23, 2021, departing Rudy Garza Funeral home at 2:45 PM to a graveside service at 3:00 PM at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Martin R. Alvarez, Felipe Garcia Sr., Eduardo Alvarez, David Barrera, Victor Herrera Cortez, and Mateo Alvarez. Honorary pallbearers will be Jose R. Torres, Israel Cantu, Carlos Cortez Jr., Jonathan Cantu, Pedro Cantu, and Marcos Torres. Funeral services are under the care and direction of Rudy Garza Funeral Home in Harlingen, Texas.

Julia Alvarez

January 29, 1932 - December 20, 2021

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