In Loving Memory of Iola Elizabeth Alvarez

February 20, 19?? – September 9, 2026 (She always insisted she was 18½.)

With heavy hearts, we announce that IOLA ELIZABETH ALVAREZ, affectionately known throughout Salem as “Mrs. Wonderful”, entered eternal life Wednesday, September 9, 2026. Iola was blessed with a full, joyful life, and she shared that joy generously with everyone she met. Her legacy is one of kindness, service, and an unshakeable spirit of giving.

Iola devoted countless hours to her community. She volunteered at school and church carnivals, the public library, Chile Festival parades, and taught English to adults learning to read and converse with confidence. She even created her own community programs, including a bereavement support group at the Catholic church alongside her dear friend Terri. With Millie, she crafted special handmade projects for residents of nearby retirement homes, small gestures that brought great comfort.

Her acts of kindness were often quiet and anonymous. She bought medicine for those who could not afford it, gathered clothing and essentials for families in need, and offered help wherever she saw a burden she could lighten. Helping others was not something she did, it was who she was.

A special source of pride in Iola’s life was her long career with the United States Postal Service. She served as Postmaster in Garfield, New Mexico, for 24 years, beginning January 2, 1988. The daily interactions with customers and coworkers grew into lifelong friendships she cherished deeply. Her dedication, humor, and warmth made the post office not just a workplace, but a gathering place filled with connection.

Iola is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Isidro Alvarez Jr.; her daughters, Adetha Collins (Michael Padilla) and Stephanie Alvarez Garay (Ronnie Garay); her grandchildren, Selinda Therese Grace Alvarez Garay Gonzalez (Tomas Gonzalez), RJ, Emilio, and Alanna Alvarez Garay; and her great‑grandchildren Tomas Isidro Gonzalez and Gabriel Donaciano Gonzalez. Her family will forever carry her laughter, her generosity, and her boundless love in their hearts. Iola was preceded in death by her parents, Roman and Emily Short Pisito and two best friends: April Biad and Terri Castillo. They will be together again for new adventures.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 9:30 AM Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Our Lord of Mercy Catholic Church, 120 Hartman Street in Hatch. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated immediately thereafter. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the Salem Cemetery where she will be laid to rest in the family plot.

Serving as casket bearers will be Michael Padilla, Tomas Gonzalez, Chris Flores, Ronnie Garay, RJ, Alvarez Garay and Emilio Alvarez Garay.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for “Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com