MARIA E. ALVARADO

MARIA E. ALVARADO HARLINGEN - Maria E. Alvarado, 69, died Monday, July 20, 2015, at Baylor University Hospital in Dallas, TX from complications due to heart surgery. Maria was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, and friend to many. She had a special bond with her mother-in-law. Maria experienced many adventures such as teaching primary aged special education students, religious education to children at Queen of Peace in Harlingen, TX, decorating school bulletin boards and volunteering at the Veteran's Office. She traveled with immediate family members throughout the East Coast and throughout European countries such as Germany and Paris, and the Czech Republic. She supported and followed her husband throughout his military career. Together they lived in Killeen, Fort Hood and Copperas Cove, TX, Fort Jackson, SC, Ansbach, Germany, Fort Lee, Fort Euestes, and Fort Monroe, VA. Her extended family surpasses many by far as she was loved by several people. She was a beautiful person both inside and out, and will truly be missed by all who were touched by her kind spirit. Maria is survived in death by her husband, Juan F. Alvarado Jr.; a daughter, Maria E. Lee; a son, Alex Bernard Alvarado; grandchildren, Jonathan Michael Lee and Jacqueline Arianna Lee; son-in-law, William Jonathan Lee; brothers, Edie, Gilbert, Salomon, Ruben and Juan Aranda; sisters, Angie DeLeon and Janie Garza. Maria's immediate departed family members include: mother, San Juanita E. Flores Aranda, father, Salomon Aranda Sr., sister, Gloria Aranda, and brother, Carlos D. Aranda. Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m., with a 7 p.m. rosary today, July 24, 2015, at Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. Funeral service will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2015, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish in San Juan. Entombment of cremated remains will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2015, at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission. In celebration of her life, the Alvarado family would appreciate if everyone would wear bright colors to Tuesday's service. Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. Sign the guest book at www.themonitor.com/obituaries.