NORTH ADAMS, MA - Martha Isabel Alvarez, 85 passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield.   She was surrounded by her loving family and devoted husband of 64 years, Rigoberto Alvarez.

Born on February 12, 1931 in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, she was the daughter of the late Guadalupe Banegas Lardizabal and Miguel Lardizabal.   Along with her husband and kids, she moved to North Adams in March of 1969.

She was employed by Sprague Electric Company for many years and retired from there.

She was a former communicant of St. Francis and St. Elizabeth's in North Adams. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, bingo and trips to the casino with her husband and family.  She enjoyed fun and adventurous trips and always welcomed an opportunity to travel near and far.  She had a radiant smile that was infectious and will be missed dearly by her family and friends.  Her greatest love in life and her focus was her family.  She was at her happiest when surrounded by her kids and grandchildren.

She leaves behind her husband Rigoberto Alvarez; her sons Leon Alvarez and his wife Lynn of Venice, FL.; Fredy Alvarez and his wife Gail of Adams; Marty Alvarez and his wife Martela of North Adams;  Osmin Alvarez and his wife Monica of Williamstown; her daughters Lillian Shaker and her husband Jim of North Adams and Anna Cloutier and her husband David of S. Portland ME.   

She leaves behind 21 grandchildren whom she adored and cherished.  Patrick Alvarez, Michael Alvarez, Erica Bernicchi, Christy Alvarez, Cody Alvarez, Roxanna Alvarez, Rosie Alvarez, J. Alvarez, Matthew Shaker, Jason Shaker, Kevin Shaker, Oscar Alvarez, Danny Alvarez, Rommel Alvarez, Camillo Alvarez, Kyle Alvarez, Gabriella Alvarez, Emily Alvarez, Isabela Cloutier, Olivia Cloutier and Camden Cloutier.

She leaves behind 7 beloved great-grandchildren.  Natasha Decker, Xavier Alvarez, Aiden Alvarez, Reid Alvarez, Amelia Bernicchi, Anthony Bernicchi, Zachary Alvarez, and 2 great-great-grandchildren Dalton Johnson and Jesslynn Alvarez.

She was predeceased by a number of brothers and sisters.

Calling Hours:  There will be no calling hours for Martha Alvarez.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations in her name may be made to the Northern Berkshire Santa Fund, PO Box 1724 North Adams, MA 01247 or to the Berkshire VNA and Hospice 725 North St., Pittsfield, MA 01201.

Her family would like to thank the staff at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield for their kindness, love and support during her final days. The family would also like to thank all of the incredible people who have been so attentive and caring during her final years. Including Dr. Mara Slawsky at Bay State, Alicia Emerson of Berkshire Medical Center, the Doctors and staff at Williamstown Medical Associates, the staff at Berkshire VNA, the incredible group of home health care providers and so many others who have helped us to take care of her. 

Obituary Provided By: Flynn & Dagnoli-Bencivenga Funeral and the Family.