Minerva "Minnie" Alma Alvarado

Minerva "Minnie" Alma Alvarado, 71, passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, January 15, 2023, after an intrepid and valiant fight with young-onset Parkinson's Disease for over 30 years.
Minnie was born on June 7, 1951, in Brownsville, TX where she grew up before later moving to McAllen and subsequently graduating from McAllen High School. She attended the University of Texas Pan American, now known as UTRGV, and received her bachelor's degree in both Spanish and Mexican American studies. Minnie worked as a Business Administrator for various large medical practices in McAllen, TX.
In 1977, Minnie married Mario A. Alvarado and shared 45 years of adoring marriage. Together, they raised three children, Bobby, Marisa, and Marina. During her life, she enjoyed hosting parties (often impromptu) and embraced family and friends into her welcoming home. Her single greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Minnie was passionate about serving the Lord and made it her mission to spread Jesus's word throughout the community. She volunteered as a religious education teacher for over 25 years at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and taught both adults and children. She was also an active member of the Catholic Daughters of America.
In addition to her love and devotion for family, friends, and her faith, she also enjoyed travel and made it a priority to visit her daughters and grandchildren at their various locations throughout the US.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Nieves and Lydia Padron; two siblings, Blanca Estella Landes, Mario Nieves Padron; and father-in-law, Doroteo Mario Alvarado.
Minnie Alvarado is survived by her husband, Mario A. Alvarado; three children, Roberto "Bobby" (Stacy) Zuniga, Jr., Marisa Alvarado (Dr. J. Aaron) Cook, Marina Annette Alvarado; three grandchildren, Joshua Zuniga, Christian Cook, Siena Cook; brother, Jose Antonio "Tony" Padron; and mother-in-law, Juanita P. Alvarado.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. with a 6 p.m. rosary Thursday, January 19, 2023, at Memorial Funeral Home, 208 E. Canton in Edinburg. Funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, January 20, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Edinburg. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Edinburg.
The family would like to thank the staff of Edinburg Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Amara Hospice, as they provided Minnie with compassionate, thoughtful, and attentive care. Thank you.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Minerva Alvarado's memory to: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg.