Benilda (Vega) Alvarez, 65, of New Bedford, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 15, 2022. She was the former wife of Luis M. Alvarez.

Born and raised in Chicago, she was the daughter of the late Nelson Vega, Sr. and Benilda Vega. Her family moved to Massachusetts when she was 19.

Benilda loved playing dominoes with her family and spending time with her grandchildren. She will be remembered as a kind and happy person. Benilda enjoyed working with children and worked as a daycare teacher for 23 years in New Bedford Public Schools.

Survivors include her children, Orlando Ocano, Jr., and his wife Kimberly, Luis A. Alvarez and his fiancée Alexa Acevedo, and Diana Gonzalez-Alvarez and her husband Jesus, all of New Bedford; her former husband, Luis M. Alvarez; her siblings Nelson Vega, Jr., David Vega, Peter Vega, Jorge Vega, Ida Green, Wanda Vega, Anita Vega; 11 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her sister, Sally Vega.

Benilda's visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 21st from 4-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford.