Mitzi K. Alviar's Obituary
Mitzi grew up in the Los Angeles area, graduated Lincoln High School with honors academically and in women’s athletics. She attended Glendale Community College, hoping to go to nursing school in San Francisco, but was refused because of the exclusion act against Asians to practice in California. Moving to Santa Barbara, she worked, as a housekeeper/nanny, cultivating lifelong friendships. She married Lucio Ramos, then went to Chicago. Mitzi named her child after her geologist employer. Mitzi remained in Chicago through the 1950s-60s, wife to Jose B. Alviar and caring for her daughter Therona. They returned to Los Angeles to be closer to family. For several years she managed the Monterey Park Three Lantern apartments. Jose and Mitzi and their beloved dog Drifter relocated to the San Diego area to be near relatives. They also travelled, initially by car, then by rail across country visiting friends and seeing the sites: New York, Boston, Miami, New Orleans, Dallas, Portland. Weekend trips and local senior center attendance were a favorite. There were surprise raffle prizes of turkeys, money tree and quilt.After Jose’s passing Mitzi remained active through the caring of her loving nephew and wife: Herman and Fortune Mallare and her live-in caretakers, most recently Arlene who was present at her passing. Prior, Griselda was with her for over 5 years, and Beatrice, weekend backup until now, for over 3 years. Therona visited quarterly to be in touch and connect with reading Hank the Cowdog stories.Mitzi is survived by Therona Ramos, daughter (Texas); Shizu Komuro, sister (California); Thomas and Richard Mendoca, nephews (Hawaii); California nieces and nephews: Gloria Blankschain, Maxine Morisaki, Kay Willis and Jean Yuki; Ike and Mike Hachimonji, James, Mark, and Kenny Katayama.
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