Mary was born on July 18, 1930 to George and Isabel Silva in Tracy, CA. She was a lifelong Tracy resident. She passed away on October 2, 2014 at the age of 84.
   Mary attended Tracy Public Schools. She graduated from Tracy High School in 1948. While in high school she played clarinet in the high school band and was captain of the volleyball team. In 1950, Mary married Tony Alves. Together they raised three children, Ed, Janet and Diana. Mary’s legacy is about love. Mary had a strong love of family and of life.
Mary joyfully attended school programs and sporting events of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, more than anyone should have to attend. Yet, she always had a smile, always happy to be there and loved every minute. She always had a hug.
Throughout the years, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren would spend days, weeks, or entire summers as Mary gladly opened her home. There was always something fun to do there. She had a delightful sense of humor. Her laughter was infectious and she would bake your favorite desserts and homemade soups. She made you feel special.
Easter celebration at Mary’s is family legend. Family members from near and far gathered together for egg hunts (children and adults), foot races, and card games (spoons).We had our own family triathlon. She celebrated every moment of it.
   Mary loved flowers and enjoyed gardening. Her yard bloomed with iris, lilies, poppies, daffodils, hydrangeas, even bird of paradise flourished under her caring touch.  Mary’s love of family and life included traveling. She traced her roots in the Azore Islands and Portugal. She visited relatives in Idaho and Arkansas. She enjoyed several cruises with family members as well, always filled with laughter and fun. Mary was also a member of Luso-American.
Mary is survived by her son, Ed Alves (Nancy) and a daughter, Diana Alves; three grandchildren, Brandi Alger (Ethan), Lisa Alves, and Eddie Alves (Barbi); three great grandchildren, Ryan and Luke Alger, Alivia Alves and her siblings, John Silva (Georgeann), Gertie Dana, and Dolly Hiles.
  Mary was preceded by her parents, George and Isabel Silva, a daughter, Janet Alves, and a brother, George Silva.  She will be forever loved in our hearts.
   In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Bernard’s Church, Ministry of Caring program; Community Hospice, the Alexander Cohen Hospice House, 2201 Euclid Ave, Hughson, CA 95326 or to a charity of your choice.
Fry Memorial Chapel, 550 S. Central Ave., Tracy, is honored to serve the Alves Family. Visitation will be held at Fry Memorial Chapel, 550 S. Central Ave, Tracy, CA on Thursday, October 9, 2014 beginning at 1:00pm followed by a recitation of the Rosary at 7:00pm.  A mass of Christian Burial will be said for Mary at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 163 W. Eaton Ave., on Friday, October 10, 2014 at 11:00am, with committal at Tracy Public Cemetery immediately following the mass. A reception will follow the committal at the Holy Family Center, 12100 W. Valpico Rd, Tracy, CA. An online guest book is available at www.frymemorialchapel.com for condolences and special messages to the family.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Wednesday, October 8, 2014