Sylvia Alvarez Gonzalez

1955 - 2025

Sylvia Alvarez Gonzalez

Mar. 11, 1955 Dec. 24 2025

Sylvia Alvarez Gonzalez, age 70 passed away on December 24, 2025 at her home in Porterville California. Sylvia battled a long illness complicated by liver disease and pancreatic cancer. She was attended and cared by her

husband Herman for several years and eventually under the care of Hospice. Sylvia was raised in Norwalk, in the county of Los Angles and was born in Belvedere California in March 11, 1955, to Cirilo and Irene Alvarez.

She was the third child and first daughter born of 12 children in the Alvarez family, 6 brothers and 5 sisters.

She was preceded in death by her father Cirilo Alvarez and her two eldest brothers, Lionel Alvarez and Romel Alvarez.

Sylvia developed a strong work ethic while having to care for her many siblings, cooking, cleaning & the endless care of her younger brothers & sisters. At a young age she worked in fields alongside her father and several

of her older siblings. Due to the size of the family she played the role of mother as the oldest daughter, & had responsibilities that cannot be compared to today's standards. She was also a force to be feared. Her many brothers and sisters knew when she made demands, everyone had to obey! Those early developing years served Sylvia's future working values unknowingly.

Sylvia graduated from Monache High School in 1973, later receiving her Associates Degree at Norwalk City College.

In high school Sylvia met her future husband Herman Gonzalez. When they went out dates it was required they be accompanied by one or two of her little brothers or sisters as chaperone's. They married on November 11, 1980. They welcomed a baby boy Nicholas born in February 1984 and very soon after that, a baby girl Unika, born in May of 1985. They celebrated 45 years of marriage in November 2025.

At the young age of 18 she was employed at Porterville Development Center. After 13 years & advancement at PDC, she boldly transferred to the Corcoran State Prison during its early development. She was instrumental in training and perfecting the personnel hiring department. In the height of her career she advanced in her profession and purposely planned it that way for when she would eventually retire as a CCRII Specialist. She served as a state employee for 37 years and retired in May 2010.

One of Sylvia's happiest times was during football season. She was a big fan of the San Francisco 49ners football team. She often traveled to Candlestick & Levi Stadium to watch the games while accompanied with her son & many nieces & nephews.

She also enjoyed the company of her many family members celebrating birthdays, holidays or pool parties. Her delight was her family and being surrounded by them. She was the The life of the Party & often prepared &

planned whatever celebration was intended. Her immediate family & the many friends Sylvia gained throughout her life will deeply miss her smile, laughter, generosity & joy she brought to their lives.

She leaves behind her husband Herman Gonzalez, One son, Nicholas Gonzalez (Erin) & one daughter Unika (Ryan) Fiormonti. Four grandchildren, Eithan & Anisa Gonzalez and Rio & Rocco Fiormonti, her mother, Irene Alvarez and 4 brothers and 5 sisters and many nieces and nephews.

A chapel visitation will be held at Porterville Funeral & Cremation Center in Porterville, California on Thursday, January 15 , 2025 from 3:00pm to 8:00pm. A rosary

service will be held at Porterville Funeral & Cremation Center on Thursday, January 15, 2025 at 6:00p. A mass will be held at St. Anne's Church at 368 N. F St., Porterville, CA on Friday, January 16 th , 2025 at 11:00am. A private interment will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Porterville, CA on Friday, January 16, 2025. Arrangements are being handled by Porterville Funeral & Cremation Center, 765 W. Henderson Ave., Porterville,

CA. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.portervillefuneral.com.