Mary M. Alvarez, 97, a longtime Parsons resident, passed away at 1:26 p.m. Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at her home in Parsons.
She was born on Nov. 8, 1927, at St. Paul to Charles and Annie (Volchek) Womeldorff. She grew up in St. Paul and graduated from St. Paul High School.
Mary moved to Parsons, where she volunteered as a candy striper at Mercy Hospital. She later worked as a seamstress at The Broderick Co. and later for Adventure Line Manufacturing, which became Parsons Precision Products. Mary also taught the art of stained glass at Labette Community College.
She married Felix Alvarez Sr. in 1947. Years later, they divorced but remained very supportive of each other in their later years.
Mary enjoyed gardening, crocheting, growing flowers, making stained glass, coloring, reading, taking trips and family gatherings. Mary’s gardening skills were so successful she was able to grow a banana tree that produced bananas, and she was known for her beautiful yard and flowers.
Survivors include seven children, Mary Jo Towers and her husband, Jimmy, of Owasso, Oklahoma, Felix J. “Joe” Alvarez Jr. and his wife, Gloria, of Parsons, Helen Alvarez Smith of Trimble, Missouri, Linda O’Neal of Parsons, Emily Gibson of Parsons, Jennifer Gilley and her husband, Tim, of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and Charlotte Martin and her husband, Ray, of Smiths Station, Alabama; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by two sisters and two brothers. The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home. The family suggests memorials to the Proud Animal Lovers Shelter, and these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS, 67357. Leave online condolences at www. wallfuneralservices.com.
