Jovita S. Alvarez, one of the founders of the Golden Valley Health Centers, died Saturday, but memories about her will remain alive among thousands of people whom she touched during her lifetime.
Alvarez, 79, was ill and died of natural causes. She was born in McAllen, Texas.
In the summer of 1966 she moved to California, along with her husband, eight children and her parents. All 12 of them moved halfway across the country in a station wagon. "We ended up in Merced, our station wagon stopped here," said Estevan Alvarez, the second-youngest son.
Soon after, the family moved to Livingston, which is when Jovita began to see the needs of the Latino community, and began to get involved. "She had this vision of health care because of all the unnecessary deaths of infants and migrant workers," said Jovita M. Alvarez, one of Jovita's granddaughters.
Jovita played a major role in getting the first clinic of the Golden Valley Health Centers up and running. "She got senators involved, and that's how they got things started," said Jovita M. Alvarez. "They started off with one clinic, one nurse and one doctor."
Golden Valley has grown over the years and continues to grow. On Tuesday, it had a groundbreaking for its newest addition -- the Senior Health and Wellness Center. Jovita was honored during the ceremony.
Jovita brought Mike O. Sullivan on board at the Golden Valley Health Centers. "He was her biggest supporter," said Jovita M. Alvarez. Sullivan continues to work at the health centers as chief executive officer.
Alicia Dicochea, another founder of the health centers, said Jovita was a big asset to the corporation.
Flora Martinez, also a founder of the health centers, said Jovita conjured the inspiration and the education they needed to get the health centers started.
Jovita was also was politically involved. In 1966, she was the first Latina to be named chairwoman of the Merced County Democratic Party. "She was the top Democrat in Merced County for several years," Jovita M. Alvarez said.
Jovita also participated in marches with Cesar Chavez, and attended the Democratic National Convention in 1972.
Jovita also was involved in the community. She was the first person in Merced County to teach people English classes, Estevan Alvarez said. "She took the initiative because she saw the need," he added.
Jovita was awarded several awards and was recognized for her hard work. In 1996, she was named the Hispanic woman of the year by the California Senate. California Assemblyman Sal Cannella presented her the Jefferson-Jackson award in 1993.
"Everybody admired Jovita, and so did I," said Dicochea of the health centers. "Everybody that met Jovita, learned something from Jovita."
A viewing will take place Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Ivers and Alcorn Funeral Home in Atwater. There will be a rosary at 7 p.m.
Her funeral will take place at 10 a.m. at Saint Jude Thaddeus Roman Catholic Church in Livingston on Friday. Graveside services will follow immediately at the Winton cemetery.
After the graveside services there will be a celebration of her life at a hall located in Saint Jude Thaddeus Roman Catholic Church.
Reporter Yesenia Amaro can be reached at (209) 388-6507, or yamaro@mercedsun-star.com
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