Connie M. Alvarez of San Lorenzo, California, passed away early on January 16, 2023, surrounded by her family and loved ones after a six-month battle with cancer. She joins her husband of 31 years, Guillermo Alvarez, who unexpectedly preceded her in death on August 30, 1985.

Connie was born in Oakland, California, on November 3, 1930, to Vicente and Delfina Martinez. She had four sisters: Jesse Corral, Delfina Perez, Pat Longoria, and Clo Partida. She is survived by two of those sisters: Clo and Pat.

Connie attended Oakland Technical High School while working at her parent's restaurant Pan American until she got her first job as a Telephone Operator. During this time, she met her future husband, Guillermo Alvarez, on a blind date. They married on September 25, 1954, and had four children: Nanci Anderson, Bill Alvarez, Jerry Alvarez, and Margo Tammen. While raising her family, Connie worked at ILWU Local 6 for over 20 years. She was a dedicated and hard-working employee who always looked out for others. She assisted many friends and family members in obtaining jobs at Case, McKesson, and Thrifty's during her tenure as a Warehouse Union Member.

Although she loved working, Connie was best known for her role as a wife, homemaker, and "professional" volunteer. All four of her children attended St. John's Catholic School, where she was very active. She started and ran the St. John's School Hot Dog Lunch Program for many years. Numerous friends still refer to her as "the hot dog lady." She was a member of St. Gerard Women's Club, held various officer and committee member positions, and served as a Eucharistic Minster and Parish Council Member. She loved the Presentation Sisters at St John's and was thrilled when she was invited to become a Presentation Sisters Associate. She also frequently cooked for and fed the homeless through the St. Vincent de Paul Ministry, and everyone loved to be a recipient of her exceptional cooking.

Connie is survived by her four children, Nanci (Doug Anderson), Bill (Celeste Alvarez), Jerry, and Margo (Drew Tammen); her six grandchildren, Matthew Alvarez (Michaela Whaley-Alvarez), Megan Alvarez-Linford (Nate Linford), Erik Anderson, Haley Anderson, Allison Tammen, and Andrew Tammen; and one great-grandchild, Audrey Alvarez. Aside from her faith, her children and grandchildren were her life. She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother who continually watched her grandchildren so her children could return to work. Her passion was raising her family and making a loving home for them. She was blessed and honored with the responsibility of being a Godmother -"Nina" to 18 children.

Connie leaves us with the unforgettable memories of a woman of faith who was loving, compassionate, strong-willed, and outspoken, all at the same time. She will be remembered for her intelligence and vivid memory, which was incredibly sharp throughout her life and up to her final days. She taught us what it means to give selfless devotion to those you love and that serving others is a responsibility that we should all embrace. She was sweet and generous with both her time and resources. She constantly worried about the safety and well-being of others; therefore, she was an avid prayer warrior who frequently called on Mother Mary for intercession. When she said she would say a prayer for you, she did. She prayed the rosary daily and spoke to each of her children every day. Those check-ins are likely what will be missed the most.

A rosary will be offered in her remembrance at Grissom's Mortuary, in San Lorenzo, on Tuesday, January 31st, at 6pm. The funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, February 1st, at 10am at St. John's Catholic Church, San Lorenzo. There will be a lunch reception in the gym to follow and interment at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Hayward.