Romelia Alvarez

Romelia Alvarez, 91 of Harrison passed away peacefully at home on February 27, 2021, surrounded by her loving family.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Romelia at the Galante Funeral Home, 54 Roseland Ave. Caldwell on Thursday March 4 from 6-8 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Cross Church in Harrison on Friday at 10 AM. Those attending the funeral are asked to meet directly at church. Interment will follow at Hollywood Memorial Park. For those unable to attend, a zoom livestream will be available beginning on Friday at 10 AM using Meeting ID: 997 533 3817 and Password: 2800.

Born in Cuba, Romelia worked as a manicurist until moving to Newark in 1957, and finally to Harrison in 1978. As a new immigrant who spoke little English, Romelia worked several jobs at a time until receiving an opportunity to work as a seamstress alongside designers and models in New York City. She exceled at her new career, and spent many years creating beautiful and fashionable garments.

Romelia was fiercely loyal to her family. A strong willed woman, she didn't rest until she got her whole family to join her in America, later seeing them earn their green cards and citizenship. She and her husband were active for many years in the Lion's Club, and throughout the Cuban-American community. Romelia was also an active member of the Ladies Society of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on Lafayette Street in Newark for over 20 years. She will be dearly missed by the women of this society and parish, and her contributions were greatly appreciated. A generous woman, she lived by the golden rule, treating others how she would want to be treated. She was a world traveler, and elegant in both personality and appearance; but Romelia most treasured time spent with her loving family.

Romelia was the beloved wife of the late Lazaro Alvarez; loving mother of Rosemary Machado; dear grandmother of Matthew Machado, Meghan Cuppari and her husband Anthony, and Myles Machado; and adoring great-grandmother of Savannah. She was predeceased by her brothers Rafael and Roberto Diaz, and sisters Rosaura Martinez and Reina Alvarez.