Belen R. Alvarez Rodriguez

Beloved Mother, sister, grandmother and friend. Belen came to the U.S. in 1965 to join her husband in Fallbrook, California in 1965 seeking a better life for herself and her children. She knew that education was necessary in order to succeed in life and made sure her children did not miss on it.

Born and raised in a small village in Mexico she never had the opportunity to go to school but she taught herself to read and the only book she read was the Holy Bible which she encouraged all to live by. Her main wish in life was to be baptized in the village where she was born, that dream came true in 1998, at the age of 75.

She was giving and caring with family and others. She made several trips to her homeland with clothes, toys and food to give to those in need. She made an effort to visit relatives and friends who were sick or in the hospital. She was present at her family important celebrations, even if she had to travel long distances.

She enjoyed sewing, gardening, crochet and cross stich which she taught all her daughters. She had an amazing memory and loved to share her life stories with all who listened, and everyone liked to listen and learn from her.

Her legacy to her children, grand-children and extended family was that of compassion and love for each other. We will forever miss her smile, words of wisdom and storytelling.