Onorina "Nina" Alvarado Gomez was born on January 18, 1945 in Congregacion Hidalgo, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, to Salome and Herlinda Alvarado. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her young life was spent working in agricultural fields around the United States with her parents and nine siblings, which she helped to raise. In 1958, the Alvarado family immigrated to the US. Onorina enjoyed playing stickball and watching movies with her friends on Sunday afternoons. She loved listening to music on full blast, which caused several of her radios to break. She owned a collection of Elvis and Beatles records and loved dancing "The Twist" with her friends. She loved Tejano music most of all.

In her 20s, Onorina met Ramiro G. Gomez while working in the sugar beet fields in West Texas. She received a letter from Ramiro asking if she would be his girlfriend. From that moment on, they would never be without each other for the rest of their lives. They married on March 29, 1968 in Dinuba, California. After moving around the western United States for work, they settled in Othello, Washington, where they raised Maribel, Ramiro Jr., Nelda, and Frank.

Her children were her whole world. She loved, supported, and protected them fiercely, attending every school program, parent-teacher conference, and all major life events. She found joy in playing and dancing with them, hiking trails, watching Fourth of July fireworks from the rooftop, camping in the family trailer, and visiting family in California every summer.

Onorina made a friend everywhere she went, thanks to her vibrant personality. She treated strangers like friends and friends like family. To everyone, she was known as tia, madrina, comadre, or hermana. She instilled in her children a strong moral character and a devotion to faith in the Catholic Church and la Virgen de Guadalupe.

She was a hard-working woman, teaching herself to read English by reading newspapers cover to cover. She worked at a food processing plant, accepting nearly every extra shift and somehow still managing to cook every meal and clean every room for her family. She proudly tended to her plants, fruit trees, and rose garden. She routinely enjoyed her after-work coffee with Mexican novelas, often scolding the characters in the show. In 2005, she retired and began traveling with her husband.

Onorina and Ramiro were active members in the Catholic church their entire lives. They traveled with a church group on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Holy lands and Rome, renewing their baptism and their marital vows during the trip. She spoke about that trip to children in religious education. After retirement, Onorina and Ramiro also enjoyed taking their boat and camper everywhere. With their beloved dog Rosie, they traveled to many places and engaged in activities such as hiking in National Parks, shopping for hours, and camping for weeks at various lakes and beaches.

Onorina was a devout grandmother. She once said, "When you become a grandmother, a little screw pops off your brain, and suddenly you would do anything for that child." There was nothing she wouldn't do for them. Having grandchildren gave her the energy of someone half her age. She offered everything to her children and grandchildren and always came to visit when she was called. After every visit, she would bless her children and grandchildren with the sign of the cross, a hug and kiss, and a wave goodbye at the door. Her warmth, playfulness, and kindness will be missed always.

At 80 years old, Onorina was called home on October 8, 2025, at Life Care Center in Richland, WA, surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her parents and two siblings, Lionel and Jorge Alvarado. She is survived by her husband Ramiro; her children and their spouses Maribel and Roberto Rios, Ramiro Jr. and Lisa Gomez, Nelda and Gerardo Gonzalez, and Frank and Teri Gomez; and her grandchildren Marissa and Kaden Enriquez, Adilena Rios, Cristian Gonzalez, Jacob Gomez, Maya Rios, Gennessa Gonzalez, and Breanna Ellis.

Que Dios la reciba en Su Santa Gloria.

The family is grateful for the care and support of the doctors, nurses, and caregivers at the Life Care Center in Richland, staff at Mueller's Greenlee Funeral Home, and congregation of St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Private viewing: October 16, 3:00-4:00 pm at Mueller's Greenlee Funeral Home, 1608 W Court St., Pasco WA

Public viewing: October 16, 4:00-8:00 pm

Rosary: October 16, 6:00 pm at Mueller's Greenlee Funeral Home. Deacon Julio.

Funeral mass: Friday, October 17, 12:00 pm, St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1320 W. Henry St., Pasco, WA. Officiated by MSOR Pedro Ramirez. Music by Sister Elena

Burial: 1:30 pm, City View Cemetery, 1300 N Oregon Ave., Pasco

Reception immediately following, reception hall at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Provided by Guadalupanas of St. Patrick Catholic Church

Pall Bearers: Ramiro Gomez Jr., Frank Gomez, Roberto Rios, Gerardo Gonzalez, Cristian Gonzalez, and Jacob Gomez