Josie Alvarez was called by our Lord Jesus Christ on July 26, 2026, after a brief illness. Josie was born in Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico, to Pedro Aguirre Zavala and Jesusita Gamboa Aguirre.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Arturo Aguirre, Pablo Aguirre, and Lino Aguirre; and sister Dolores Reynoso.
Josie moved to Santa Barbara from El Paso, Texas, shortly after marrying Manuel Alvarez in 1955. Josie fell in love with Santa Barbara and said she would never move from here.
In 1956, Josie and Manuel welcomed their first child Rosario, followed by Victor, Leticia and Veronica.
Josie worked as a laundry supervisor for St. Francis Hospital for more than 36 years.
Josie had a passion for baking, cooking, and making tamales. She was well known for her excellent meals, which she could whip up in minutes.
Josie enjoyed sewing, working in her yard, and especially being a mom.
After retirement, Josie enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was always willing to pick up her grandchildren and great-grandchildren from school and spend afternoons with them.
She was known as “Grandma Surprise” because of the stops she would make at her grandkids’ favorite places to eat on the way home. To say she spoiled all her “kids” would be an understatement.
Josie looked forward each week to volunteering at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. She was known for her constant smile her ability to talk to people and immediately make them feel like family.
Josie is survived by her loving family: husband Manuel Alvarez; daughter Rosie Calvillo (Francisco); son Victor Alvarez (Kathy); daughters Leticia Alvarez, and Veronica Gordian, (Joseph); grandchildren Victor “JR” Alvarez, Ricardo “Rickey” Calvillo, Danielle Alvarez Garcia, Kenneth “Kenny” Alvarez, Joseph “Joey” Gordian, and Alexis Gordian.
Her great-grandchildren include Miranda Alvarez, Diego Alvarez, Kaila Alvarez Garcia, Mateo Calvillo, Amaya Alvarez, and Mireya Calvillo.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all the relatives and friends who have supported us during this difficult time in our lives.
The family also extends its sincere thanks to Josie’s primary care team, including Dr. Jon Uyesaka, who lovingly named her the “Office Grandma,” and Dr. Nayan Patel and his pulmonary care team for their compassionate care over the years.
Friends and family are invited to attend Josie Alvarez’s funeral services at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, 227 N. Nopal St., Santa Barbara. Graveside services will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 199 N. Hope Ave., Santa Barbara.