Justina Alvarez

Ms. Justina Alvarez better known as Hermana Justina, Tina, or Lela of 52 Country Club Boulevard, Worcester, MA.  Lela passed away with dignity at home in her bed on October 14th, 2019 due to a long battle with cancer.  She was surrounded by her family and loved ones. She was 89 years young. 

She was born in Valencia Guayama, Puerto Rico where she received her High School Diploma.  Later migrated to Brooklyn, New York and married Francisco  Alvarez Cora in 1953.  She worked at Supreme Brush Company for many years and was a member of the New York City Housing Authority Tenant Patrol.

Lela had a daughter named Kathy Alvarez and a proud grandmother of Koren Quesada and Luis Velez who were her heart and joy.  She had one great grandchild Zavian Quesada and had many nephews and nieces all of which she loved deeply.  She had a sister Emma Laboy and a brother Fernando Sanchez Reyes.

Lela was a Christian and an active member of la Iglesia de Jesucristo in Worcester.  Lela was a Bible Scholar and studied religious studies and graduated from the Biblical Theological Institute in New York.  She was active in her community, often visiting hospitals, neighbors, relatives and prayed for strength, healing and safety for all.

She was a hard worker, devoted mother, grandmother and friend, to all whose lives she touched.  She had a vivacious personality and made everyone laugh by doing or saying funny things.  However, she was the strongest woman you will ever meet not afraid of anyone or anything, not holding back her opinion and told it like it is even if it wasn't what you wanted to hear.  She was strong like bull never complained about her ailments and had a lot of faith in her healer from above and believed that her doctors were not telling the truth.  Lela loved her collections of dolls and treated them with tender loving care along with her sofas and you better sit back or else!  Lela had a passion for her plants and flowers, crocheting and sewing.  She was fascinated by staring at the sky and watch the clouds rolling by and would see shapes of angel, castle, and sorts of things. 

The family would like to thank everyone for their support, especially Dr. Rebecca L. Spanagel who cared for her with tender loving care and the Hospice caregivers who played an important role in her life. 

Those who wish to remember Lela by way of a memorial tribute are kindly asked to consider Iglesia Apostolica Del Nombre De Jesucristo, 190B Millbury St, Worcester, MA 01610.