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Catherine Alvarez Obituary

Catherine (Crowley) Alvarez

Oakley, CA

Catherine (Katy) died at home April 21, 2013. Katy was born November 20, 1979, in Des Moines, IA, to Phil and Ann Crowley. She graduated from Urbandale High School in Urbandale, IA, and continued her education at Columbia College in Columbia, MO, and the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA, where she graduated with a BA in Psychology, and was in the process of completing her Master's degree while teaching for the Brentwood, CA, schools.

Katy loved to read, and enjoyed music, acting, swimming and golf. She was always offering support and assistance to help others with their problems. We will always remember her laughter and hugs.

She is survived by her husband, Aaron Alvarez; and daughter, Ayla of Oakley, CA; son, Gabriel of Brentwood, CA; parents, Phil Crowley of West Des Moines, IA and Ann Crowley of Brentwood, CA; step-mother, Cindy Crowley of West Des Moines, IA; sister, Lindsey Downey of Van Nuys, CA; half-brothers, Andrew (Drew) Patrick of San Fransisco, CA, Michael Patrick of Des Moines, IA, and Scott Crowley of Palatine, Il; half-sister, Collen Crowley of Santa Clara, CA.

A Memorial Service was held April 27, 2013, in Brentwood, CA, to honor Katy's life. Memorial donations may be made to the family at 6540 Bradford Dr., West Des Moines, IA 50266 to be directed to a fund for Katy's children or to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Katy's name.

Published by the Des Moines Register on May 1, 2013.
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She was my favorite math teacher so loving caring she was like a second mom too be who taught me very well she inspired me

Kasandra Graham

November 15, 2014

Hey Cousin Katy, this year I gave a scholarship to a 8th grade male student in your honor, God put this student in my life & he culminated!! I had to make sure to share the love of God with him & what an honor it is to remember you & share what a beautiful person you were & the struggles you had you over came & was successful, a wonderful mom, a loving wife, & a teacher who cared so much for her students!! June 2014, 2nd Annual Memorial Scholarship, I will continue to do this & choose that student that God puts in my life, & He will know which 8th grader deserves this recognition(: love you cousin Katy!

Jackie Carrillo

July 15, 2014

You were the most amazing teacher who taught me we'll at heritage you taugh very strong too me in a positive way!!!

Kasandra Graham

July 14, 2014

I am giving a scholarship to an 8th grade female student tonight in Memory of cousin Katy(: Her love for teaching & reaching & changing lives!!

Jackie Carrillo

June 5, 2013

May 19, 2013
Cousin Katy, I love this pic of you, so full of life, bright smile & a twinkle in your eye...you touched lives with a helping hand & even though the work load of IEP's got over whelming you rose above them never letting it get you down & accelerated forward, as your daughter & husband watched you accomplish so much & was a role model in what you set your mind to, you can conquer your goals. I will miss our little FB chats.. You & cousin Aaron were like peas in a pod, you both have come along ways & I am proud to say that we are family. The Bible say to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, I know Katy is there in Heaven with Jesus & "GRANNY" they get to chat about us & you cousin Aaron ( Granny's doodles) & her great grandaughter Alya, Kimberlynn my 6 yr. old daughter was born on Granny's birthday Dec. 14th (how cool is that)...we will see them again but not now cous Aaron, NOT until our kids are all grown up & successful and we are well in our 80's, maybe 90's....when it's time, we will have a BIG family reunion!! xxooxx (REPOSTED) w/my information

Jackie Carrillo

June 5, 2013

It was my pleasure to work with Katy at Heritage. We were both special ed teachers and, as such, were able to share our insights with each other. I had gotten in touch with her again through Facebook. I was so happy to see how absolutely radiant she looked when she was with Ayla and could feel through her words how much she loved Ayla and how much she loved being her mom. I am sorry that you have to endure such an incredible loss. I know that you will all be together again some day.

Carol Aines

May 31, 2013

Catherine Rose Crowley Alvarez was my Rock,Soul,Life,Best Friend, and My Wife. she saved me when I was at the lowest point in my life. she never judged me only told me how I was her world and how I helped her to spread her wings so she could fly.I was so proud to call her my wife and best friend. I really don't know what I will do with out her, But I will do my best to raise Ayla Rose Alvarez the best I can and how we thought she should be raised. Catherine Rose Crowley Alvarez fix me when I didn't see any light at the end of the tunnel
I will Always LOVE YOU PANDA BEAR. God is with you now Baby

Aaron Alvarez

May 28, 2013

May 28, 2013

Katy, I will never forget you!!

Uli Rauer

May 26, 2013

I was so shocked to hear of Katy's passing! I had just conversed with her via facebook a few weeks ago regarding some students we had in common. We met at Chapman and became good friends....will always remember her smile that lit up her face, her overwhelming love for her new husband and precious children, and her drive to fine tune her instruction and case management. You have touched many and will be missed greatly!

Michelle Sloan

May 22, 2013

Cousin Katy, I love this pic of you, so full of life, bright smile & a twinkle in your eye...you touched lives with a helping hand & even though the work load of IEP's got over whelming you rose above them never letting it get you down & accelerated forward, as your daughter & husband watched you accomplish so much & was a role model in what you set your mind to, you can conquer your goals. I will miss our little FB chats.. You & cousin Aaron were like peas in a pod, you both have come along ways & I am proud to say that we are family. The Bible say to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, I know Katy is there in Heaven with Jesus & "GRANNY" they get to chat about us & you cousin Aaron ( Granny's doodles) & her great grandaughter Alya, Kimberlynn my 6 yr. old daughter was born on Granny's birthday Dec. 14th (how cool is that)...we will see them again but not now cous Aaron, NOT until our kids are all grown up & successful and we are well in our 80's, maybe 90's....when it's time, we will have a BIG family reunion!! xxooxx

May 19, 2013

I was shocked and saddened by this news. Katy and I worked closely when I was principal of Heritage High School. She was always such an advocate for her students. My prayers and thoughts are with the family and friends.

Andy Parsons

May 14, 2013

I had the honor of working with Ms. Crowley at Heritage High School. I found her to be a professional of the highest quality and a person of the best character. I was deeply saddened to hear about her passing. She will be missed by all here at Heritage.

Tyler Rust

May 9, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss. I was friends with Katy during undergrad. We were the single moms who struggled together. My son Nicholas and I spent a great deal of time with her and Gabe. She was a beautiful person both inside and out. She will be missed.

Julie Bryant

May 6, 2013

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I was Katy's 5th grade teacher. She was such an affectionate, caring kid.

Paula Swift

May 3, 2013

Phil and entire family.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
Our prayers and thoghts are with you.

Doug/Carolyn Drake

May 2, 2013

Mrs, Crowley cant belive that you are gone and in heaven and not here with us anymore. i know that you are in a better place looking down on all of us. Miss you so much and you will always be in my heart forever. My prayers go out to her family.

Ashley Miller

May 1, 2013

I worked with Katy at Titan Tire in Des Moines. We really had a great connection. She was such a fun, sweet person. She will be missed. My deepest sympathy to her family. Doris Hildebrand

Doris Hildebrand

May 1, 2013

May God's love surround you always, Katy. You are greatly loved and missed.

Gene & Margaret McKelvey

May 1, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss. You're in my thoughts and prayer at this very sad time. I was Katy's 3rd grade teacher and remember her as such a sweet, loving child.

Barb Indra

May 1, 2013

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