Maria J. Alvarado, 90, widow of Luis Diaz Alvarado, went to be with the Lord on June 5, 2024, at her residence in San Antonio, Texas. She was born in New Braunfels, Texas, on December 26, 1933, a daughter of the late Margarito Salinas and Isabel Salinas.

Prior to her retirement she was employed with the Edgewood School District as a cafeteria worker and a manager. Maria, also known by most as Mary, touched the lives of many and was deeply respected by all who knew her. Maria was an incredible cook who took pride in every dish she put together. She was outgoing and was often ready to dance to great music and go out shopping. Her happiest moments were spent with family at gatherings, creating beautiful memories. Her generosity was boundless, helping anyone with support, guidance, and love. Mary will be forever loved, missed, and remembered.

In addition to her husband, Luis Diaz Alvarado and parents, Margarito Salinas and Isabel Salinas, she is also preceded in death by her sister Maria Carmen Salinas, sister Maria Herlinda Shannon and brother in law Otha Dayland Shannon, sister in law Helen Salinas, sister in law Angie Salinas, brother Juan Salinas, sister Amelia Alvarado, and a son in law, Jerry Montana.

Family members include her daughter Sylvia Stanley (Lester), daughter Maria Carmen Zapata, daughter Cindy Montana, son Salomon Zapata (Alicia), and son Ralph Zapata; daughter in law Diane Zapata; 14 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; 10 great great-grandchildren; brothers, Margarito Salinas (Sally), Paul Salinas, Pedro Salinas, brother in law Clemente Alvarado, sister in law, Olga Salinas and sister Isabel Salinas; in addition to numerous extended family members and friends.

The family will receive guests at Castillo Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm for visitation and at 6:00 pm for a rosary service.

A funeral mass will be conducted on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at 10:00 am in San Martin de Porres Catholic Church. Burial will follow with a graveside service at San Fernando Cemetery II.