Karla Patricia Alvarez

Karla Patricia Alvarez was born on February 16, 1970 in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras to Alicia Alvarez Mejia. Sadly, shortly after her birth Alicia passed away. She was raised by her maternal grandparents, Margarita Mejia Garcia and Domingo Alvarez in the coastal city of Trujillo. Her “abuela” called her “Nalagante” which means her inheritance as Karla was the last piece of her daughterthat she had. Karla first came to the U.S. at the age of 2 years old with her grandparents. They stayed for 6 months and decided to return to Honduras. As a child, she attended El Jardinde Niños America and Socorro Sorel where she was accompanied by her “hermanito” Carlos David Alvarez. Karla was an excellent student, she loved to sing, to dance, to play with her friends, and poetry.

At the age of 12, she was brought to the U.S. where she resided with family in Los Angeles. She attended a Catholic junior high in L.A. before they settled in Fontana, CA. In Fontana, she studied with Jehovah Witness’ and gave her life to Jehovah by being baptized in Jehovah’s name. While in the congregation she met the Dickerson family. Lonny shared the same birthplace of Honduras. Prior to graduating high school, she moved in with the Dickerson’s: James, Lonny, Iman, Serene, and Bobby Dickerson and became a part of the family.

Shortly after graduating, Karla continued in the family tradition of working in the medical field. She became a CNA and then completed the Vocational Nursing Program at Concord Career Institute. Karla was a nurse for 25+ years, her love of nursing started as a young girl in Honduras frequenting the hospital for her sickle cell crisis. One nurse in particular made a great impact and set the example that stayed with her throughout her life. Karla was an exceptional nurse. She brightened every patients eyes with her smile and infectious attitude. Her co-workers always had a strong shoulder to lean on. There’s not one patient, family, or coworkers life and heart she did not touch.

As many of you may know, Karla battled sickle cell anemiaall her life. Her greatest dream and accomplishment was to have children. On December 19, 1998, Karla gave birth to her first child Alizea Alvarez-Sookram. Her joy doubled on June 12, 2002 when she had Kevin Geovany Lopez-Alvarez. She and Juan Lopez were married on February 15, 2004, where all 4 became a close-knit family.

Karla Patricia Alvarez was called home to be with the Lord on May 8, 2019. She is survived by her husband Juan Lopez, daughter Alizea, son Kevin, Elsa Claros, Lonny & Arthur Hatch, Winil Vaughan, Iman& Serene Dickerson, Carlos David Alvarez, Domingo Alvarez, Glenda Cahco, Omar&FlorCacho, along with a host of nieces and nephews and extended family members.