Paula Alvarez

Paula M. Alvarez

Paula M. Alvarez was born Paula Martinez Carrizalez on January 26, 1945, in Matehuala, San Luis Potosí, Mexico, to proud parents Pedro and Panfila Martinez.

She later moved to Texas, where she met her future husband, Rodrigo Alvarez, at a local drive-in. They were married in 1965 and, shortly after, welcomed their first child, Rodrigo Jr., in 1966.

After spending several years migrating for work, Paula and Rodrigo eventually settled in Michigan to raise their family. Their second child, Ramiro, was born in 1973.

While her husband worked in the fields and local factories, Paula began working for Lawton Public Schools in 1979. Determined and hardworking, she earned her high school diploma through the same school system and proudly retired in 2009.

Paula had a deep love for crafts. She was exceptionally skilled in upholstery, knitting, crocheting, and quilting. Her relatives are especially proud of the beautiful quilts she gifted to them over the years. She enjoyed Monday night bingo, occasional trips to the casino, and, most of all, cooking traditional Mexican meals for her loved ones. Paula had a great sense of humor and loved sharing jokes and laughter with her siblings during family gatherings.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rodrigo Sr., her brother Faustino Martinez, and her sister-in-law Debi Martinez.

Paula is survived by her sons, Rodrigo Jr. and Ramiro Raul, and grandsons Tyler and Michael.

Family in Michigan includes siblings and their families:

• Santos Martinez (and his late wife, Marie)

• Lorenzo Martinez and wife, Maria

• Gloria Rodriguez and husband, Daniel

• Cruz Martinez and wife, Sue Moore

• Epifanio Martinez

• Juan Martinez and wife, Lisa

• Estela Chavez and husband, Homer

• Rosalinda Hilmert (and her late husband, Bill)

Family in Oklahoma includes sisters-in-law and their families:

• Nelly and Paula Alvarez

• Hilda (William) Byrd

• Lourdes (Peter) Sever

• Luvina (David) Matyas of Michigan

• Brother-in-law Paul Cedergren (and his late wife, Dolores) of Arizona

Paula will be remembered for her warm heart, hardworking spirit, and the joy she brought to everyone around her.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation on Wednesday August 6, 2025 from 12-1 PM with a Prayer Service to follow starting at 1 PM at Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Homes, 60900 M-40 Paw Paw, MI (269) 657-3870. Celebrate Paula’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.