Henrietta F. Alvarez (Fernandez)

Obituary

On August 29, 2023, Henrietta F. Alvarez (Fernandez), peacefully passed away with her children by her side at the age of 96 at her daughter's home in Queen Creek, Arizona.

Enriqueta (Queta) Felix,  was born in Superior, Arizona, on July 15, 1927, to her parents, Braulio and Juana Felix.  Henrietta was raised by her Grandmother, Isabel Valenzuela, from the age of nine years old, due to her Mother's untimely passing in 1936.

Henrietta graduated from Superior High School in 1946, and then went to Arizona Teachers College in Flagstaff, Arizona, (which was later named Northern Arizona University) where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1950. She began her career as an elementary school teacher in Miami, Arizona, then continued her career teaching in the Superior Public School District until her retirement in 1989.

While attending Northern Arizona University, Henrietta met Francisco (Pancho) Alvarez, from Ajo, Arizona; they married in Superior at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on August 14, 1954. They made their home in Superior, where they raised their four children together until the passing of Francisco in 1992.

Several years later, Henrietta was blessed with the friendship of Alfred (Nene) Fernandez. After receiving the blessing of Queta's four children, they were married on July 6, 1998 until his death in 2017.

Henrietta was preceded in death by her grandmother, Isabel Valenzuela (Nana), her parents: Braulio and Juana Felix; her brothers: Wenceslao Felix, Francisco Felix, Felipe Felix, and Tony Felix.  Queta is survived by her four children: Frank (Cathy) Alvarez, Diane (Larry) Bergsneider, Sylvia Inzunza, and Henry (Angella) Alvarez; 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and extended family.  According to Nana Queta, she is a Nana to hundreds of people, as she always introduced herself to others as "Nana Queta."  Nana Queta's great-grandchildren call her the "Pink Nana'' because they always saw her wearing pink.

Henrietta was a member of the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, in Superior, where she sang in the church choir; Delta Kappa Gamma Society; the Mexicanitas Club; the Club Social de Damas; and the Arizona Retired Teachers Association. Everyday, she completed the newspaper's daily crossword puzzle; she also enjoyed baking, playing cards, bingo and Scrabble.  She and Pancho enjoyed dancing where they would glide gracefully across the dance floor. She and Nene were regulars at the casino, spent time at many family gatherings and especially enjoyed dining out having her favorite "Top Shelf" margarita. She immensely enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Henrietta's friends, children and family describe her as a sweet, patient, giving, caring, gracious, elegant and loving lady.  In her final days, it was brought to her children's attention how blessed she was for not having had to bury a child, grandchild or great-grandchild in all her 96 years.

Wherever 'Mrs. Alvarez' traveled, many people would remind her that she was their first grade teacher, which would always put a smile on her face.

Henrietta's services are being held in Superior on Friday, September 8, 2023 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, where she was baptized, received First Holy Communion, Confirmation and the Sacrament of Matrimony.

Services will be at:

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church

11 Church Avenue

Superior, AZ  85173

9:00am Visitation

9:30am Rosary

10:00am Holy Mass; Celebrant - Father Marcos Velasquez

Interment immediately following Holy Mass, at

Fairview Cemetery

231 W. Sunset Drive

Superior, AZ  85173

Luncheon immediately following at:

Los Hermanos Restaurant & Lounge

835 U.S. 60

Superior, AZ 85173

Queta will be remembered and missed by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, however, memories of her will live in their hearts forever.