Obituary of Margarita Soto De Alvarez

Margarita "Maria" Soto de Alvarez died at age 87 on January 13th battling heart disease. She was born March 19, 1925 in the town of Tangancicuaro, Michoacan. She spent the first part of her life in Tangancicuaro where she married the love of her life Fernando Alvarez in 1944. In 1965, they immigrated to the United States and came directly to the beautiful city of Santa Cruz, CA. During the immigration process she was congratulated by the American Ambassador in Mexico City who told her, "She will multiply and enrich this nation with her 11 children." Later she bared two more daughters completing 14 children. She was a vivid example to all her children. Her greatest gift was her humble and simple life. Sharing her home amongst all her children and friends was her greatest joy. There was never a day that she did not share a meal or meaningful word to all who visited her home. She taught us how to cook authentic Mexican meals, how to be strong independent men and women and instilled in all of us old fashion values and work ethic. She was a very religious woman who lived according to her Catholic beliefs and giving alms to those in need. She had the greatest rosey cheeks and soft hands. Her smile was so bright it lit up the night sky. She loved her family so deeply that a day never went by that she didn't show it with a kind gesture that always ended with a blessing. She will be deeply missed. She was preceded in death by her husband Fernando Alvarez and her two sons Martin and Jesus Alvarez. She is survived by her 7 daughters: Margarita Munoz (her husband: the late Felipe) of Tangancicuaro, Lety Cuevas (her husband: the late Carlos), Julie Ruiz (Arturo), Martha Alvarez of Zamora, Rosa "Rosie" Vasquez (David) of Watsonville, Maria Del Peloso (Verano), Beatriz "Ticha" Lambert (Craig) of Santa Cruz. 5 sons: Fernando Alvarez of Aptos Hills, Antonio Alvarez (Lourdes), Rosendo Alvarez of Santa Cruz, Manuel Alvarez (Velina) of Scotts Valley, Guillermo Alvarez (Guillermina) of Zamora. 52 grandchildren, 59 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild; siblings, nieces, nephews and friends that will miss her greatly. Margaritas (daisies) are simple, humble and strong beautiful flowers just like our mother and grandmother. A visitation for Maria will be held on Friday, January 18, 2013 at Holy Cross Church, 126 High St. in Santa Cruz from 5:00-7:00 pm with a vigil starting at 7:00 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Cross Church on Saturday, January 19, 2013 beginning at 11:00 am. Following the Mass, the burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, 2271 7th Ave. in Santa Cruz. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to light a candle for Maria and share any condolences with her family.