Emma Alvarado

She is survived by her loving daughter, Lisa Herrera, and son-in-law, Enrique Herrera; her cherished grandchildren, Krista Richey (Austin), Jennifer Vawter (Weston), Leah Herrera, Maya Herrera, and Thomas A. Michael Herrera. Emma is also survived by her brothers, Joe Carrillo and Richard Carrillo; her sister-in-law, Alicia Carrillo; her brother-in-law, Benjamin Alvarado Jr. and family; her brother-in-law, Ramon Alvarado and family; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Emma was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church and a devoted parishioner of St. Pius Catholic Church. She proudly graduated from Austin High School in El Paso, Texas, in 1958. In 1959, she married her longtime love, Tony, beginning a marriage rooted in faith and family.

Emma dedicated much of her professional life to dentistry. She trained as a dental assistant under Dr. Ralph C. Ivy and Dr. Robertson before beginning her civil service career in 1983 with the United States Department of the Army, DENTAC Division. There, she provided compassionate care to soldiers and their families. She later transitioned to DENTAC’s pediatric dentistry unit, where she specialized in the dental care of the children of active-duty soldiers. Emma retired in 2006 after years of devoted service.

Retirement marked the beginning of her most cherished role—Grandma. Emma lovingly helped raise her three youngest grandchildren, filling her days with school drop-offs and pick-ups, cooking her delicious meals, and sharing endless love, wisdom, and guidance. Emma left an immeasurable impact on all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but her love and the lessons she shared will live on forever.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Ovalle, Dr. Ali, Dr. Chavez, and Dr. Gonzalez for the compassionate care provided throughout the years, as well as the nursing staff at Del Sol Medical Center.

A visitation will be held at Martin Funeral Home East, located at 1460 George Dieter Dr, El Paso, Texas, 79936, on January 5, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. A vigil will take place at the same location on January 5, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 7:45 pm.

The funeral mass will be conducted at St. Pius X Church, 1050 N Clark Dr, El Paso, Texas, 79905, on January 6, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, 401 S. Zaragoza Rd., El Paso, Texas, 79907, on January 6, 2026, from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm.