Obituary of Elvia Alvarado Solis

Elvia Solís, 63, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2023 at home surrounded by her family.

Born in Chicago, IL on September 19, 1960 to Teresa Campos and José Samuel Alvarado, she was the third of five children (and the only daughter!). She attended the University of Illinois at Chicago and graduated with a degree in Marketing and Business Management. She moved to Dallas shortly after, tired of the cold weather, and worked in sales. On a fortuitous visit home to Chicago, she met Salvador, an impressive salesman himself, and he convinced her to move back. They married in 1989 and Elvia became a second mother to his sons, Eric and Salvador. Elvia and Salvador co-owned and successfully ran their business, El Paso Used Auto & Truck Parts, for over 35 years in Little Village. They welcomed their only child together, Angela, in 1990.

She often joked that her first career was raising children. She was involved as a class parent, field trip volunteer, and helped coordinate numerous extracurriculars. Not only was she heavily involved in school life, but she also co-ran the family business as well, doing all the bookkeeping and office management. Once out of the child-rearing phase, she began her second career as a financial planner and insurance agent, while still managing the family business. She then worked at Thrivent as a customer service agent, using her bilingual skills and knowledge of Thrivent’s financial products to best help the Thrivent members. Her Thrivent colleagues were more than co-workers, but rather steadfast friends throughout her illness, offering incredible support, comradery, and encouragement. 

Elvia always thought of others first and she was a caregiver for several people in her family, including her own mother. She cared for her husband through several serious surgeries and a heart attack. She was an expert at managing medical records, insurance claims, and scheduling various providers and services. She fought hard and tirelessly to receive the best care possible for her loved ones. The hardest part of her ALS diagnosis was that Elvia could not care for others, but had to rely on help for herself.

Elvia’s attention to detail made her an excellent craftswoman whose hobbies included sewing, crocheting, knitting, and cooking. She handmade each Halloween and Shakespeare Festival costume. She made her daughter’s wedding veil inlaid with delicate French lace. She also knitted and crocheted countless items for her granddaughters including booties, newborn hats, and capes. She was a wonderful home cook and her most beloved dishes were tamales, ropa vieja, salmón estofado and of course, her famous rice.

Her favorite way to express love was through acts of service and surprise gifts. She made her house a haven for all guests, warming them up with good food, dancing, and lots of laughter. She remembered birthdays and always made it a point to celebrate big life events, especially for those on the shyer side. Her friendship was steadfast, encouraging, and honest. If anyone needed her advice, she knew how to deliver it non-judgmentally and with a wonderful gift to lift the other person up at the same time.

Elvia was a woman of strong faith. She was heavily involved in her church communities. She helped to lead and coordinate ALPHA at her parish for many years. She was a member of the Altar & Rosary society. She organized countless Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrations and worked hard to unite the church community. She even led prayer groups and pro-life ministries. Despite her intense battle against ALS, Elvia never complained about her diagnosis and instead offered up her struggles for her family and friends. She was in constant prayer and truly united with Christ until the end. Her faith and selflessness inspired many and her serene composure truly made it an honor to care for her. Her care team treasured each word and phrase she communicated through her letter board, because it was always out of concern for others and pointing all towards our Lord and His works.

Elvia was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Samuel.  She is survived by her husband of 34 years, Salvador, and children, Eric (Janel), Salvador, and Angela (Joseph), and grandchildren, Adrian, Julian, Alyssa, Christian, Teresa, Ester, Maria Dolores, and great-grandson, Leo.  She is also survived by three brothers, Oscar, Angel, and Gerry and their families, as well as several aunts, uncles, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Lastly, the family thanks the countless family members and friends who volunteered time and energy to stay with the family for extended periods of time, drop off meals, run errands, visit Elvia, and most importantly, pray for the strength to accept God’s will in this difficult journey. Although challenged physically, her mind remained sharp and she appreciated each and every visit, prayer, message, and effort made to support her and her family. She prayed constantly for her friends and family, and she often felt overcome with the outpouring of generosity from her community. Her family wishes to honor her legacy by continuing to model the faith, grace, and tenacity she exhibited throughout her life.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Labouré Society, which supports vocations to the priesthood and/or religious life. Requiescat in pace.

Wake: 3:00-9:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at Thompson's Harveson & Cole Funeral Home, 4350 River Oaks Blvd., Fort Worth.

Mass of Christian Burial: 2:30 p.m. Monday, December 4, 2023 at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1206 Throckmorton Street, Fort Worth. 

Rite of Committal (burial)  in Oakwood Cemetery.   All are welcome.