Gloria Alvarez Age 54 years, passed away on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at Amita St. Joseph Medical Center. She was born in Mexico on October 5, 1966. Gloria was an employee of Catholic Charities for 28 years. She held several positions in Early Childhood Services that included Assistant Teacher, Teacher, Interim Site Supervisor, Home Visitor and Associate Teacher. She was dedicated to the children, families and staff of the program, often going above and beyond. Gloria was extremely active in the bargaining unit, SEIU Local 73 as the Chief Union Steward and the SEIU Central States Latino Caucus Treasurer for many years.. She worked tirelessly negotiating contracts and representing members. She was an advocate for immigration and education, continuing to further her education into these recent years. She was also involved with the Joliet Community, at the Spanish Center for youth baseball and at Mt. Carmel Church fundraisers. Gloria was a loving partner, daughter, mother, grandmother, sister and friend to all who knew her. She loved all and never hesitated to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She loved watching football, basketball and having Sunday breakfast with her family. Family unity was extremely important to Gloria and she was the glue that kept her family together. Her children could not have asked for a better mother or a better example of character. She will be sorely missed, but continue to live on in our hearts and memories as a fine example of the type of person we should all strive to be. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Ofelia Martinez, Angel Martinez, Miguel Martinez and Juan Martinez. She is survived by her fiancée, Amado Quintanilla; her son Javier (Maria) Alvarez; her daughters, Ana P. (Gabriel) Ortiz and Jessica (Rashaad M.) Gibbs; her grandchildren, Isaiah E. Kan, Marla N. Ortiz and Zoelle A. Gibbs; her parents, Juan and Eufracia Martinez; her sisters and brother, Eva Martinez, Antonio Martinez, Aurora Martinez (Aron Servin) and Elvira (Lucas) Johnson. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. A private family visitation and funeral services for Gloria Alvarez will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home, 2320 Black Road, Joliet on Friday, December 11, 2020 beginning at 4:00 P.M until 4:30 P.M. The visitation will continue at the funeral home for extended family from 4:30 P.M. until 5:30 P.M. and then from 5:30 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. for friends, co-workers and acquaintances. Due to the Covd-19 restrictions, the family respectfully urges everyone attending to follow CDC guidelines of social distancing, no hugging or handshakes, facial masks worn properly. If you have been exposed or are sick we understand that you may not be able to attend. The interment will be held privately.