Lilia Alvarez

Lilia “Lily” Alvarez, 91, of Arkansas City, KS passed away Tuesday, March 16, 2021. 

Lilia was born May 7, 1929 in Fomento, Cuba to parents German and Amelia Del Llano (Varela). She attended Santa Clara High School in Cuba. In 1953, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics from Santa Clara University. Following her graduation, she worked as a professor of home economics at her alma mater for 10 years. In July 1954, she married Dr. Norberto Alvarez, and the two built a family with the births of their children, Rina and Rodolfo. In July 1967, Dr. and Mrs. Alvarez came to the United States with their family, fleeing the Castro communist regime. 

Lilia enjoyed painting, drawing and being a homemaker. She took great pride in being a twin, a wife, a mother, and a grandmother. 

Lilia is survived by her twin sister, Rina Darzhansky, 91, of Miami Beach, FL; daughter, Rina Chrismon, of Arkansas City, KS, son, Rodolfo Alvarez, of Wichita, KS; grandchildren: Kelsey Weinberg and husband, Michael, of Winter Park, FL; Alli Blankenship and husband, Garrett, of Skiatook, OK; Caitie Chrismon of Lewisburg, PA; great-grandchildren: Brynn Weinberg and Jillian Blankenship; nephew, Jose E. Blanco, of Miami Beach, FL; honorary son, Steve Newsome, of Winfield, KS and honorary sister, Charlotte Buterbaugh, of Winfield, KS, as well as a host of other friends and family. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Norberto Alvarez, and 8 brothers and sisters.

Arrangements are by Shelley Family Funeral Home of Arkansas City.

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