Laura J. Alvarez

From delicious desserts to warm enchiladas, sometimes the best way to share your love for someone is to bake them a recipe from the heart, to surprise them with sweet treats, or to enjoy a warm coffee and conversation around a cozy kitchen table. On October 1, 2022, Laura Alvarez (62) of Smithton, Illinois–beloved mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother–joined her heavenly family to continue sending sweet gifts and heartwarming hugs as a guardian angel.

 Laura Jean Alvarez of Smithton, Illinois, was born on August 29, 1960, in East St. Louis, Illinois. Laura graduated from Belleville West High School and started her own housecleaning business soon thereafter. Her entire life was designed around her children, Jason and Kelly, whom she adored beyond measure, and being a grandmother allowed Laura to bestow the same love and devotion to her grandsons, celebrating Dylan’s college graduation, attending Drew’s lacrosse games and Jake’s soccer games, and eagerly looking forward to seeing Timothy play baseball for a select youth league. Laura’s life and daily schedule focused on her children and grandchildren.

Laura was known for her love of family, her sense of humor, and for always being the last one to leave any family gathering.  When her brother, Joey, would DJ family parties, Laura’s famous line was always, “Just one more song!” Her sister, Sherry, was her confidante, trusted advisor, and best friend, and Laura used to love playfully teasing her little sister, Lynne, for usurping her role as the “baby” of the family. Her brother, Tony, was often her dancing partner, and Laura loved few things more than family parties with good music, amazing food, and heartwarming laughter. Laura always loved to have a good time, but she loved life most when she was celebrating with family and friends at holidays, birthdays, weddings, or just weekends by the pool. Her talent for finding and perfectly preparing new recipes, adding her distinct charm to her home décor, and surprising the people she cared about with sweet, thoughtful gifts and gestures made Laura such a special, beloved person. 

Laura was preceded in death by her parents, Jose M., Jr., and Shirley M. (née Harris) Alvarez and her brother, Jose “Joey” M. Alvarez, III. Laura is survived by her beloved children, Jason L. (Nicole) McIntyre and Kelly M. (Tim) Moore, as well as her cherished grandchildren, Dylan McIntyre, Drew McIntyre, Jake McIntyre, and Timothy Michael Moore, III; her siblings, Sherry (Jim) Mourey, Anthony “Tony” (Donna) Alvarez, and Lynne (Jon) Grindstaff; her special friend, Mark Janiszak; her Goddaughters, Kelly Mourey Wright and Lindsey Brennfleck Pace; and adoring nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Given “Aunt Wuara’s” special relationship with great-nephew and heart warrior, Colby Finn Wright, memorials may be made to Children’s Heart Foundation, 5 Revere Drive, Suite 200, Northbrook, IL 60062.

 Memorial Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd.,  Fairview Heights, Illinois. Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at 7:00pm with Fr. Stanley Konieczny officiating. A private graveside service will take place at a later date. A celebration of life for family and friends will be held in the future.

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