Obituary of Emma C. Alvarez

Emma Gessa (Alvarez) was born in the town of Florida, in the province of Camaguey, Cuba on November 1, 1941. She was the daughter of Santiago Cervantez and Verania Gonzalez. She was one of 16 children. As one of the oldest, while growing up in the great depression, she learned the necessity and value of earning a living. At the age of eleven, she had to take on her first job living away from her family in order to help support her family. Emma was hard working and had dreams in sight, and within four years earned enough money to hire a tutor to teach her to read and write. She married her late husband Reverend Leonides Alvarez at the age of 19. In September of 1969 they immigrated to the United States and were relocated to New Jersey with two young daughters, Dania (m. Jose) and Diana (m. Mek). At the time, Emma was six months pregnant with her third daughter, Daysi (m. William) when they made the trip from Cuba to Florida. Her only son, David was born in 1977. The family moved to Hollywood, Florida in 1973 where they purchased their first home. Emma became a born again believer in 1973, and later a pastor’s wife. She was a highly treasured and loved Proverbs 31 woman and will be missed greatly by many. She dedicated her life to serving others and opened her home to those in need. Her only son, David was born in 1977. While Emma did work outside the home, her main job was to raise her children and care for her family and home. In addition to her children, Emma had a bonus son - Frank Alvarez, a bonus daughter, the late Marilyn Alvarez, five granddaughters (Janet (m. Kenny), Jacqueline, Kristina, Ayana, and Elizabeth) and (Alex (m. Brandy), Ricky, Nicholas, and Yoan). She was blessed and had many great grandchildren (Robert, Jason, Dylan, Sheyenne, Justin, Blade, Ryan, Jayden, Sophia, Ace, Nicholas, Jaxon). Emma was a loyal friend to many including her best friend and sister, Mercedes Perez who cared for her until her final breath. Because she was separated from her own family in Cuba due to political oppression, she adopted several bonus children, brothers, sisters, and grandchildren that loved her dearly. Emma enjoyed cooking meals for her family, loved being surrounded by flowers and plants, enjoyed sitting outside feeling the fresh breeze on her face, she loved the sound of birds chirping, music playing in the background. She loved a good meal and often shared her delicious food with anyone that dropped by. Emma was very much a lady in every sense of the word and highly valued personal appearance, painted nails, and always had lipstick and perfume on. Emma offered a smile to all offer, never knew a stranger, and leaves behind a legacy of love in her family and friends. In lieu of flowers that family request gifts be made to St. Jude Hospital or Wycliffe Bible Translators in her name. In Repose Saturday, August 22, 2020 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.Entombment Sunday, August 23, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. Forest Lawn South Cemetery Davie, Florida. Arrangements by Joseph A. Scarano Pines Memorial Chapel-9000 Pines Boulevard Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024. Please keep the Alvarez family in your prayers. The Joseph A. Scarano Pines Memorial Chapel is honored to assist the Alvarez family with the arrangements.