Dolores S. Alvarez

Dolores was born on November 20, 1930, in Havana, Cuba. She was the daughter of Juan and Mercedes Rodriguez and sister to Lazaro Rodriguez, all of whom preceded her in death. The happiest day of her life was when she married the love of her life, Carlos Alvarez. Sadly, Carlos passed away in 2007, and now they are together again in eternity.

Dolores’ life unfolded in four chapters: Cuba, Florida, California, and Texas.

Her mother was widowed at a young age and lived with Dolores until her passing. In Cuba, Dolores built a career in the banking industry. In 1959, she came to the United States as a refugee and had to start her life over. Fortunately, her work in Cuban banks had given her strong English skills. She settled in Miami, waiting for her mother to join her, and expecting her nephew to immigrate as well. Believing a better life awaited in Miami Beach, she made her home there, and the three of them shared those years together during his teenage days.

After her nephew, Larry, left for college, Dolores and her mother moved to California, where she reunited with her former husband, Carlos. Together, they started a new chapter. While Carlos worked for the phone company, Dolores worked as a bank teller in Beverly Hills, where she often saw movie stars — and even once danced with Fred Astaire in an elevator. She held several secretarial positions, worked in a library, and with Carlos began relocating and renovating houses purchased from the government to make way for freeway expansion. They also traveled extensively, both in the United States and abroad.

Later, Dolores and Carlos moved back to Florida to be closer to her brother and extended family. Now retired, they lived in Kissimmee, where they purchased both an apartment building and an office supply store in Orlando. Ever the entrepreneurs, they worked side by side until Carlos began experiencing health problems, which led them to seek medical treatment in Houston, Texas.

After many trips from Florida to Texas, they eventually relocated to Houston to be near the Medical Center. It was there that Dolores discovered her passion for animal rescue. Although she never stopped loving dogs, she soon became a tireless champion for kittens, especially those unable to eat or drink on their own. She and Carlos spent many sleepless nights bottle-feeding and caring for these fragile little creatures, and she fostered many other cats until they could be adopted into loving homes.

Dolores was a proud and strong Cuban woman, equally proud to be an American citizen. She never forgot her roots, and her love for America was steadfast. One of her favorite sayings was, “Don’t make me go Cuban on you” — and everyone knew she meant it!

She leaves behind her beloved nephew, Larry Rodriguez, and his wife, Bobbi, and their children: Eddie and his wife, Lia, and their daughter, Ava; and Elaine and her husband, Cory, and their children, Alex and Anna. She is also survived by her cherished cousins: Michael Insua and his partner, David Henson; Maria Insua and her three sons, Jesus, Peter, and Miguel; Alesandra Leiman; and Marcell Insua. She also leaves behind her beloved cat, Abby (Abigail).

The family wishes to thank Judy Murphy for her medical expertise and for caring for Dolores over the past 10 years, ensuring her appointments were kept and advocating for her during hospitalizations. Deep appreciation also goes to Caroline Hokanson for her generous help with hospital visits, appointments, and emergencies.

The following people were very special to Dolores and provided invaluable support throughout her life: David Hokanson, Paula Cuccaro, Carl Irving, Linda Stein, Jimmy Kriel, Jackie Instone, Nancy Kline, Mariana Lima, Carol Christensen and her partner, Julie, Bill, Larry, and Alex Murphy, Jesus and his family, Wan Wong, Tony Abarca, Gloria Margarita, Lori and her son, Carlitos, and George Gordon.

A very special thanks goes to her dear friend, Paula Abarca (“Fabulosa”), whose love, loyalty, and countless acts of kindness went far beyond friendship. Dolores treasured you and your family deeply.

The family is also grateful to Dr. Nooreen Baig, her assistant Ruth, and the entire office staff for their kindness and care; and to Judy Bolos and her exceptional team — Nina, Anna, Lourdes, and Catherine — for the excellent care given to Dolores at the end of her life. A heartfelt thanks to Judy for being such a good friend and for her care in Dolores’ final year.

In accordance with her wishes, Dolores will be cremated and her ashes returned to Florida to be scattered on the graves of her mother, Mercedes, and her husband, Carlos. There will be no funeral service at this time.

Que Los Ángeles Cuiden.