Myra Ewing Alvanzo

Myra E. Alvanzo

Sunrise March 10, 1930 Sunset December 3, 2025

Obituary

Born in the small coastal city of Puerto Castillo, Spanish Honduras, Myra Alvanzo was a blessing for her parents, Amybel Brown and Eustace Ewing. After three sons, Amybel finally had her precious daughter. As the fifth of twelve children, Myra’s childhood was defined by early responsibility and a deep devotion to her family.

Her mornings began long before the school bell rang. She spent the early hours helping her mother knead and bake fresh bread for the market or scrubbing her younger siblings' clothes by hand on a washboard. Despite the heavy workload, she took great pride in her appearance, eventually slipping into a neatly pressed uniform for the two-mile walk to school. Her education was a bilingual journey: three hours of Spanish in the morning, followed by three hours of English in the afternoon.

Through it all, Myra carried a glow that others couldn't help but notice. She often told her children stories of running across the wide-open field to visit her Aunt Clarr. Because of her constant, radiant smile, her aunt gave her the nickname "Sunshine"—a name that perfectly captured her ability to bring joy to everyone she met.

Beyond her household duties, Myra found a creative outlet and joy in learning to play the piano as well as writing in her journal. After graduating from high school, she stepped into the workforce as a cook. For two years, she earned five dollars a month serving a local family, but her heart yearned for a different kind of service.

Driven by an ambition to help those in need, Myra transitioned into healthcare in her early twenties. She secured a position as a nurse’s assistant, and it was there that she truly found her calling. What began as a new job opportunity blossomed into a lifelong mission; Myra dedicated herself to the hospital and her patients for over 40 years, providing comfort and care until the very end of her career.

In 1957, Myra married Victor Alvanzo, a union that would eventually bless them with five children. Together, they shared a vision of a life that could create more opportunities for their children, and they took a courageous leap moving to the United States This journey required a profound sacrifice: Myra and Victor migrated to New York City leaving their three daughters, Arla, Janet and Sharon V., and eldest son, Terry in the care of Myra’s mother in Honduras for about one year. While separated from her children, Myra worked tirelessly to build a stable foundation for their future. By the time they joined her in New York, she had already established herself as a nurse’s aide at Brooklyn Jewish Hospital and Memorial Center. Several years later, the family was completed with the birth of her youngest son, Neil, —the family’s

first-generation American. Myra’s legacy lives on through her five adult children, a testament to the future she worked so hard to secure.

She took great pride in her career; beyond providing excellent patient care, she was frequently called upon by medical staff to serve as a Spanish interpreter—a role she found deeply rewarding.

Myra was determined to raise her children in the church. Sundays were a testament of her strength: she made the trip to Brooklyn Gospel Tabernacle with her five children, navigating two buses each way. She miraculously managed to get everyone there on time—and as if that wasn’t enough, she often made the journey twice a week. Her unwavering faith and commitment to God shaped her into a strong, kind woman who could endure whatever life brought her way. In the mid-seventies, Myra relocated to Boston, Massachusetts to be closer to her mother and extended family. She was insightful enough to recognize that, while she hadn't pursued a formal education beyond high school, Boston offered endless opportunities she wanted her children to embrace. So, off to Boston they, went. Myra purchased her very first home in Boston, Massachusetts. Over the years, she went on to own several properties throughout the city, that provided a stable and welcoming foundation for her children and grandchildren."

Once again, Myra successfully secured a position as a nurse’s aide, this time at New England Medical Center. She enjoyed another twenty years of dedicated service there before retiring and moving to her final destination: Orlando, Florida, along with her oldest daughter, Arla and her family. Myra was finally ready to trade her hard work for sunshine and well-earned rest.

"Even after retiring from her career as a nurse’s aide, Myra never truly slowed down—unless, of course, you count the quiet hours she spent crocheting blankets. Once she settled in Florida, she remained a vibrant part of her community, dedicating over seven years to her church as a friendly greeter. Her lifelong love for children led her to a role with Disney, where she provided childcare for visiting families, and she stayed active for years through her local Curves exercise classes. At age 72, she achieved a proud milestone by purchasing her own villa, securing a private space to call her own."

During Myra’s final four months she was able to live with her youngest daughter Sharon Victoria, and granddaughter Carlencia, who had the privilege of caring for her until she entered into hospice. On December 3rd, 2025 at 6:15 AM, Myra passed peacefully from this life surrounded by love in the presence of her daughter, Janet, and granddaughter, Jevont’e.

Mom was beloved by all who knew her. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, sister, cousin and friend

Myra is preceded in death by her parents, Amybel Brown and Eustace Ewing, three brothers: Stehpen Eustace Ewing Jr., Newel Gayle, Luin Vernon Brown, five sisters: Elna Gayle, Phylis Stewart-Rivas, Nancylee Myrtis Pinnance, Norma Sutherland and Margaret Pike.

She leaves to cherish her memory: 5 children, Arla Howell (Kevin), Terry Alvanzo (Sharon), Janet Alvanzo (Valerie), Sharon Victoria Alvanzo and Neil Alvanzo (Anika) : 10 grandchildren, Jevont’e, Jasmine, Melissa, Jannell, Brittany, Bianca, Sejauna, Nia, Skylar and Adyson; 12 great-grandchildren, two sisters: Ludy James of Roatan and Norma McField, two brothers: Clifton Ewing-Gayle and Rupert Brown and a host of other family and friends.

Forever in our hearts...

Service Details

Saturday, December 27, 2025

Viewing: 10:00 AM

Celebration of Life 11:00 AM

Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home

400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road

Gotha Florida 34734