I worked for Delia from 1987 until 1997 at South Ranchito.  She was such an inspiration to me. Her story of moving to this country as a teenager, getting married, having children and getting allher degrees.  She experienced all aspects of working in a school district and I think that is why she was so effective!   She took me under her wing and allowed me to grow as an educator.  She allowed me to take leadership roles at our school and always provided the support to succeed.  Whenever I am asked who inspired me to be an administrator, I am quick to say, Delia Alvidrez.  She allowed me and so many others to find our passions and spread our wings.  She will always be remembered with love and deep appreciation. My deepest sympathies to her family, I know she will be missed.

I cannot thank God enough for the blessings received through Delia (and Josue).
As when I was able to borrow their station wagon to move multiple times, and transport my wedding cake from Pasadena to Pico Rivera.
The words posted about Delia’s life reads: “She extended her love to all and was a refuge to all family and friends.”
I cannot agree more as I was a beneficiary of that love and refuge during a time of great loneliness.
Countless evening I would stop by the Alvidrez’s home on my way to ESL classes at El Rancho High next door, bringing my “Big Mac” meal and eating it at their place.
One evening in May of 1974 I was invited for dinner before going to El Rancho Adult final session Delia and Josue asked me if I had any thoughts to furthering my education.
I told them I did not have too many choices given my visitor’s status.I believe they knew the routine, but they just wanted to hear it from me.
So, Delia asked me “Would you consider to start this summer if we sponsor you?”
I said “That would be wonderful but my visitor’s visa expires tomorrow.”
Shaking their heads they both chorused “Tomorrow!?”
Without giving it a second thought Delia took the day off to take me to the Federal Building in downtown L.A. at the crack of dawn, while Josue would give their children rides to school, making himself late for work.
That day I went from being a visitor to becoming a foreign student, ultimately changing the course of the rest of my life.
Though this one is the most significant acts of kindness which affected my future, there were many others which are priceless like living with them for months as part of the family, and providing and organizing the food and beverages for the social after our wedding along with dear Lucy Perez and others.
I thought that I was very special because of all the care and kindness I received. But in reality Delia (and Josue) were the ones who were so “special” for the things she did for so many others like me!
In June of 2015 Jill and I were very blessed to have Delia and Rosa visit us and have dinner with them at our home, though we moved far away. It was a great time of fellowship and remembrance of past years.
And before COVID hit I ha the opportunity to visit Delia several times and though some words were missing, the affection and Christian love were just as present as in times past. Prior to leaving I would read a portion of a Psalm and pray. Her face would shine with a big smile and made sure call Julia (her dear caregiver) to join in.
May God move me to spread the same love and compassion as Delia (and Josue) did for/to others.

Living with my grandmother, we would often go out to eat or shop locally and each time we would be stopped by multiple people who knew her through the school district and her work there. My favorite time though was when we went to the local Chili's and our waiter was elated when he saw who had been sat in his section. Poor grandma was flabbergasted at first as to how exactly she knew this younger man, but as they kept talking she remembered him and his mom and they talked enthusiastically for a few minutes before we got to ordering. She kept smiling and telling me all about his family and him as a student. When we went to pay this man came running over and told her to wait just a moment while he pulled the ticket up on the console. Our ticket ended up being a whole $5 because he had comped our meal and appetizer! Grandma got RED in the face when I explained to her what he had done and she kept trying to insist that he didnt have to do that for us. They ended up taking a picture together and he gave her a big hug. In true grandma fashion she left $40 on the table as a tip for him and spent the rest of the day talking about what a great young man he grew into. 
I always joked that she was a rockstar in her community and she never believed me even when people would go out of their way to say hello to her when they saw her in public. I'll always remember that day with her and the incredible humility she exhibited even when people were singing her praises. She kept turning it around and was pointing out all they had accomplished and done with themselves. She set an amazing example. 

I have been struggling with writing what my Mom has meant to me.  I miss her desperately and didn't realize how important she really was to me until she was gone.  It has also greatly impacted me as I read how she influenced so many people, especially my children.  

My mom is a legend.  She was truly a Proverbs 31 woman:
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax, and words with willing hands.
She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.
She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.
She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.
She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.
She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needs.
She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.
Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hand, and let her works praise her in the gates.” Proverbs 31: 10-31

The Lord certainly put several obstacles in her path.  Losing an infant son in 1963 (Eric), then an adult son in 1982 (Eddie), and then her beloved husband in 2000 (Pop).  She was amazingly strong to have to endure such pain in her life.  I always remember her telling me that God was in control of her life and that He does not give us more than we can bear.  As a mother, that lesson is an important one.

Her home was a revolving hostel.  I can’t think of a time when we didn’t have someone living with us.  From grandmothers to uncles, cousins, friends, and anyone who needed somewhere to stay.  They were part of our extended family.  She had the knack of feeding the 5000.  If you asked her to bring a tres leches cake to a graduation party she would bring an entire sheet cake.  If you asked her to bring a few churros she would bring 200.  This was my mom.  There was always enough food to send care packages with everyone.  

I remember her beautiful voice and cherished the times when we got to sing duets together. It was a joy to sing with her in church.  She had a love for teaching.  I especially loved to see her ministry in the church from teaching the children to women’s Bible studies.  Her heart was for the Lord.  Both of my parents  gave so much of themselves in Mexicali.  Those monthly trips to Mezquital is where I got to see her in action.  Especially when she was mentoring the women.  Her love and dedication to ERUSD and the community has also been evident in the testimonies of those lives that she touched. 

She was definitely adventurous as Andrew remembers.  I remember the multiple trips to the ranch, beach, and mountains with my dad and also by herself.  I especially remember when she rode Colossus at Magic Mountain when it first opened 5+ times in a row because that is what my brother Andrew and cousin Andres wanted to do.  She enjoyed traveling with my dad, aunts, and her dear friend Lucy.  

She loved her grandchildren Nadia (Jonathan), Erica (Peter), Sarah, Anna, Libby, Zachary, Andrew, Tamara, Bethany, and great grandchildren Preston and Jared intensely.  She would do and did anything for them (within reason of course).  She did not back off telling them of God’s purpose for their life. For this I am eternally grateful. 

Her body is now made whole.  She can sing and rejoice with our Savior Jesus Christ and all those who have been waiting for her.  My peace and comfort comes from the reassurance that we will one day be reunited again.

I love you Mom!!

This woman is my hero. 

She came to the US from Argentina at the age of 17 and started a brand new life.  She got married, completed her bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, teaching credential, and had 4 children.  She was a teacher, principal, and even served as a long term board member and president of the El Rancho Unified School District.  She was known and loved by all in her community, to the point where we couldn’t even go to the grocery store without someone recognizing her and singing her praises.  My Grandma was the epitome of a hard worker and always taught me to set my goals high because I could achieve anything if I worked hard and preserved.  She was the most selfless person I’ve ever known and always gave so much of herself to others without requiring anything in return.  She would drop anything to be there for her kids and grandkids.  She drove us to school, dance class, doctor’s appointments, and was my favorite taxi driver to/from the LAX airport. She opened her home to anyone and everyone who needed a meal or a place to stay. Although my Grandma is a woman of many accomplishments, her desire to follow Christ is the one thing I most admire.  She was truly an example of a woman who feared the Lord, and it was displayed in every aspect of her life.  I will always remember her hugs.  Her smile.  Her generosity.  Her tenacity.  Her desire to work hard.  Her zeal for knowledge.  And her love for Jesus.  My Grandma is one of the strongest women I know and will always be my biggest inspiration.  I hope to be half the woman that she was!  Right now, she is in glory where I know she is hearing the words “well done my good and faithful servant.”