Mary Elizabeth Alvarado
Mary Elizabeth Alvarado (Days), 75, went to her heavenly home on January 26, 2023. Mary was born in Santa Barbara, California on June 24, 1947, she is predeceased by her loving her parents Ernest and Elva (Cardoza) Days.
Mary lived a full and beautiful life in the Santa Barbara-Goleta area. She attended Harding Elementary School, Dolores School and was a proud graduate of the Bishop Garcia Diego High School class of 1965. She met many of her lifelong and cherished friends while attending local Santa Barbara schools. Mary continued her education attending courses at the University of California, Santa Barbara and completed her Associate Degree at Santa Barbara City College.
On July 6, 1968, Mary married the love of her life, Michael Alvarado and celebrated 54 years of marriage. Mary and Michael first met in high school at Bishop Garcia Diego High School. They had two children whom she adored, Alicia Alvarado and David Alvarado.
Mary began a rewarding career as a medical assistant while still attending high school. She started her career working for Dr. Robert McGinnis of Santa Barbara and finished her career with Dr. Melony Parent. After working over 40 years in the medical field, in 2005 she joined her husband in retirement.
Mary and Michael enjoyed traveling in their travel trailer and having fun camping trips with family and their camping group. Mary had a special relationship with her daughter, Alicia, and they enjoyed several special trips abroad including her family’s country of origin, Portugal, and the Azores. Mary loved having her grandchildren, Christian and Israel, spend summer months with her in Santa Barbara. She enjoyed watching them endlessly play at the beach. Mary found great pleasure in walking. She enjoyed morning solo walks and walking with a close group of friends. One of her most gratifying moments was attending and finishing the first 3-Day Avon Breast Cancer walk from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles. Mary also enjoyed attending aqua aerobics at the local YMCA with her “pool buddies.” Mary’s greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends and is remembered for her beautiful smile, the light in her eyes, her laughter, and her love for the Lord.
Mary is survived by Michael Alvarado (husband), Janet Moran (sister), Alicia Alvarado (daughter), David Alvarado (son), Christy Alvarado (daughter in law), Christian Alvarado (grandson), and Israel Alvarado (grandson).
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, www.bcrf.org, an organization deeply supported by Mary Elizabeth Alvarado.