Maria Belia Alvarez

Maria Belia Alvarez, of Sunrise, passed away on Tuesday, October 11th six days after her 94th birthday. Born in Pereira, Colombia, she was raised in Buga - a small town just outside of Cali. Maria made her way to the United States in 1965 and eventually settled in Patterson, New Jersey, her home for many years. She worked at Marcal (a paper manufacturing company) as a machine operator. While at Marcal, she met Alberto Alvarez who would eventually become her husband, and they relocated to South Florida in the late 70's. She was the first of her family to emigrate to the United States and after settling in Plantation, the rest of her family soon followed. Maria, known to all as Belia, lived a long, wonderful life and passed away comfortably in her home surrounded by those she loved and who loved her just as much in return. Belia loved wine, music and restaurants.

She is survived by her three children - Betty Collazos, George Triviño and Hilda Ames - as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other family members both close and distant.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 13th, from 5:00PM-8:00PM at T. M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, 11:00AM, St. Gregory The Great Catholic Church

Interment immediately following in Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery