Our beloved Julia Alvarez Esparza passed away Thursday, April 28, 2022 in her home in Tucson, AZ at the age of 68 years old. Julia is survived by daughters: Melinda, Melissa; siblings: Helen, Antonio, Annette, Esther, David, Michael, and Guadalupe; nieces; nephews; other family members; pets: Rocky (cat), Jojo (dog), and friends.
Born in Mendota, CA on February 16, 1954, as the eldest sibling she helped her parents care for her siblings and worked in the fields. She once felt like Charlie Brown in the spelling bee. In grade school, she participated in a spelling bee where she could not remember how to spell her hometown of Mendota. She misspelled the word and lost the championship for her classroom. While living in Fresno, CA she worked at the local hospital as a prep-cook. Assisted with prepping breakfast, lunch or dinner and delivering food to hospital patients. Worked there the majority of her time. In October 2003 moved to Tucson, AZ to be with rest of family members and retired from working. Mom enjoyed retirement for 19 years while daughters Melinda and Melissa assisted with living expenses. In the last 1 ½ years of her life, daughters were her caregivers until she passed.
Julia adored all pets throughout the years: 10+ cats, 3 dogs, 2 goldfish, but her favorite was Rocky. They were inseparable. For mom’s last 16 3/4 years with Rocky, together they ate, slept, and bonded. Rocky showed his love to mom by crying “feed me, feed me” multiple times a day. Mom reciprocated her love to Rocky by Melinda purchasing can foods galore. Rocky loved sleeping on or by mom and bonding by making biscuits on her tummy while stretching, crying and scratching her face or body. When mom was admitted into the hospital, Rocky knew something was wrong and when she passed away, he knew what happened. One of her last sentences was “I can’t believe Rocky is going to outlive me.”
Appreciated nature and traveling. Visiting the California coastline, particularly La Jolla and Morro Bay where she enjoyed watching beautiful sunsets, seals, sea otters, whales, etc. In her backyard she watched and took pictures of hawks, jack rabbits, snakes, interesting desert insects, and desert scenery.
Loved sports. Liked baseball, football & hockey. Was a true fan to LA Dodgers – thought they had the cutest players & Green Bay Packers - stated Aaron Rodgers is a “drama diva”, but loved them till the end.
Collected rocks and jewelry from Tucson gem show. Attending yearly was a family tradition with her daughters. Loved taking pictures of the natural beautiful colors, cool rock formations, ancient dinosaur bones, and purchased lovely handmade jewelry.
Attended many concerts. A few of her favorites were Ice Cube, Rolling Stones, Midland & AC/DC. Sharing memories from Ice Cube concert, mom was invited to an after party by a partygoer. Rolling Stones concert, was excited to see rock and roll legends.
Liked goodwill shopping. Her collection consists of: Knick knacks, records, posters, books, toys, DVD’s and CD’s. A highlight for mom was a few years ago when she went to Antiques Roadshow in Tucson. She was hoping to have found a hidden treasure but did not happen. Was happy to experience attending in person and seeing the appraisers. At the end, a short video was created in the feedback booth, but did not make it on tv.
Julia was known to some as “Judy or Julie.” Was a kind-hearted person who made us smile and laugh with her silly phone texts and verbal conversations. Stayed strong until the end. Requested to be cremated with no funeral services. Will truly be loved and missed by all. Thank you for the good times and memories. Good-bye momma.
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