Jennie H. Alvarado, 94, of Granite City, Illinois peacefully passed away surrounded by her son and daughters, at 6:55 a.m. on Friday, January 29, 2021 at her home. She was born March 20, 1926 in Granite City, a daughter of the late Marcelino and Jesucita (Rangel) Martinez. She retired from the Granite City School District after many years of dedicated service as a cook. She was a devoted member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Granite City and also enjoyed attending St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Madison.
Jennie was devoted to her faith and cherished her entire family. She lovingly and generously put the needs of her family and others before herself. For that she will be remembered by all who knew her.
She enjoyed gathering family and friends and cooking her traditional Mexican dishes for them. She loved spending the holidays with her children, grandchildren, and extended family. Also, she loved weekend shopping with and for her children and grandchildren.
She is survived by five children, Antoinette Keeneth of Haubstadt, Indiana, Rebecca Cooper of Granite City, Rozann Turner of Arlington, Tennessee, Teresa Alvarado of Granite City, and Gerard Alvarado of Atlanta, Georgia; seven grandchildren and their spouses, Adam Keeneth, Jennie Robertson, John Cooper, Jessica and Forrest Aven, Luke and Sarah Turner, Gregory Alvarado, and Cindy Alvarado; five great grandchildren, Jude, Aiden, Ty, Jordyn, and Barrett; a brother and sister-in-law, Norman and Norma Martinez of Granite City; a sister, Theresa Kannady of St. Peters, Missouri; many nieces and nephews; and other extended family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gregory J. Alvarado; a son-in-law, Terry Keeneth; a great grandson, Kurtis Robinson; siblings and their spouses, Alfonso and Matilda Martinez, Michael Martinez, Lupe Martinez, Irene San Souci, Joseph and Mildred Martinez, Mary “Corky” Phillips, Anthony Castillo, Effie and Barbara Castillo, and a brother-in-law, John Kannady.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Heartland Hospice, especially to Holly and Lynn who cared for our Mom as if she were family.
Due to the Covid pandemic, private services will be held.
A private visitation and Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Granite City on Saturday, February 6, 2021 with Father Steve Thompson as celebrant.
Private burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Edwardsville.
Memorials to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Granite City APA, or to Holy Family School may be taken to Irwin Chapel or mailed to Irwin Chapel of Granite City who is in charge of arrangements. www.irwinchapel.com
