Obituary: Amelia Mary Maciel Alvarez, Jan. 16, 1939-April 29, 2025

For The Madera Tribune

Amelia Mary Maciel Alvarez.

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Our Lord called Emily home on April 29, 2025.

She peacefully passed away at her home in Madera California, she was 86.

Emily was born in Caruthers, California.

She then moved to Madera at a young age, where she attended Eastin-Arcola and Lavina Elementary Schools, then Madera High School, graduating in 1957.

In 1959, Emily married her first husband with whom she had three children, Ronald, Kimberly and Krisanne Barboza.

Emily was employed with Madera Tribune then later retired from PG&E after 38 years of service. After retirement, Emily and her second husband Sal Alvarez enjoyed traveling together in their RV for many years, visiting Canada, and traveling all throughout the mid-west, with her beloved fur baby “Brandy.” Some of their fondest memories were made on the many cruises Emily and Sal took together. Emily loved bowling and golfing. She was very active in a bowling league, where she got her nick name “Hurricane Emily.” She always came through on the 10th frame where she would get three strikes. Emily had an endless passion for dancing and loved her music, especially the Eagles and Vicente Fernandez and many others. Emily was an avid gardener, she cherished her beautiful flowers and caring for her many plants.

Emily was known for her delicious cooking, she treasured family and friends gatherings, her home was always open for a great meal and great conversation. Emily belonged to a special group of ladies from High School, called the “YA YA’s,” they would all meet once a month for lunch and attended parties, all sharing lifelong friendships together.

Emily was preceded in death by her infant brother, Baby Joe, her parents Jose and Isabel Maciel, sister Mary Ellen Lopez, brother Edward Joe Maciel and sister Esther Rista and brother in laws Pete Rista and OJ Hefner and her beloved fur baby “Brandy.”

Emily is survived by her children, sisters Eloise Hefner, Ida Maciel, sister in-law Esther Maciel, brother in-law Joe Lopez, and her fur baby “Sophie,” beloved husband Sal Alvarez of 38 years, his children Mark Alvarez, and wife Krissy Alvarez, Susie Alvarez, and James Alvarez.

With numerous nieces and nephews, Emily was a beloved Auntie whose love was warmly returned.

Emily was blessed with 11 grandchildren, Ronald, Raymond, Alexandria, Sarah, Marcel, Priscilla, Seth, Katie, Robert, Anthony, and Jordan, and 19 great grandchildren, Ayden, Kendyll, Zoey, Ethan, Zakary, Kash, Ray Jr., Mariah, Avery, Zeke, Christian, Cameron, Peyton, Taylor, Zaire, Sloane, Coast, Alice and Atlas.

Emily cherished her grandchildren with all her heart, and they adored her just as deeply in return.

She was an angel on earth, a true servant at heart who embodied the love and compassion of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her life was a reflection of the scripture, always putting others before herself, offering kindness, comfort, and unwavering support to her loved ones and friends. Her selfless spirit and servants heart touched countless lives, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and grace.

“If you hear one day that I have died, don’t believe them, because I am more alive now, more alive than even you, because I’m in the presence of God.”

— Billy Graham

A private family viewing will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025.

A graveside service for friends will follow at 1 p.m. at Belmont Memorial Park at 201 N. Teilman Ave., Fresno CA, 93706