Maria C. Alvarez, 95, passed away on April 9, 2026, surrounded by her family. A seamstress by trade, she viewed sewing as an art form, pouring her creativity and care into everything she made-from her daughter Mercy's wedding dress to her granddaughter Alana's costume for an elementary school play.

Originally from Camaguey, Cuba, Maria came to the United States in the mid-1950s, leaving behind the life she knew to begin a new chapter alongside her beloved husband, Armando. Together, they built a life rooted in hard work and devotion, opening and operating a jewelry store, ARLA, while raising their two cherished children, Armando Jr. and Mercedes.

She is survived by her daughter Mercedes Alvarez Garcia; her son-in-law, Juan Garcia; her grandchildren, Lauren (Chris) Roarke Barnett, Alex Alvarez, Michael Alvarez, Andrew (Stefani) Alvarez, Ryan Garcia, Alana (Connor) Garcia Feagin; her great grandchildren Charlie Lane and Maggie Roarke Barnett. She was preceded in death by her husband Armando L Alvarez and her son, Armando Alvarez Jr.

On Thursday, April 16th, at 1:00pm there will be a Funeral Mass held at St. Edwards Catholic Church, burial at Vista Memorial Gardens at 2:30pm and after a Celebration of Life at the Alvarez Garcia home 17611 S.W. 12 Street, Pembroke Pines, Fl. Anyone wishing to share a story of their time with the deceased is asked to bring it with them or send it to the Alvarez Garcia home.