GRACIELA “GRACIE” ALVAREZ MEDELLIN

1955-2017

Graciela “Gracie” Alvarez Medellin went peacefully to be with our Lord and Savior on March 17, 2017, after a courageous battle with cancer. Gracie is survived by her husband Joaquin “Jake” Medellin, Jr., her son, David Joaquin Medellin, who was her pride and joy, parents Leandro and Dominga Alvarez, brothers Leandro Alvarez Jr. (and wife, Vangie), Alvaro Alvarez (and wife, Rachel), Hector Alvarez (and wife, Veronica), sister, Linda Bowser, 17 nephews and nieces and countless friends who loved and admired her.

Gracie was born in Harlingen on July 12, 1955, and graduated from Harlingen High School in 1974 and St. Edwards University in 1978 with a BBA in Finance. Her strong work ethic, determination and ability to build relationships helped her succeed at IBM for 32 years where she held many managerial positions domestically and internationally before retiring in 2010. She then started her second career at Martha Turner Properties where she quickly attained Circle of Excellence status and remained at that high level through 2016 when she was inducted into Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty Hall of Fame. Gracie was respected and loved by all her colleagues and clients alike and was grateful to Martha for giving her the opportunity to work for such an amazing company with amazing people. Gracie will be forever indebted to her good friend and colleague, Marcia Alexander, for Marcia’s efforts on Gracie’s behalf while Gracie was in the hospital.

Gracie was a member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Houston, Texas. She was always quick to volunteer at her son’s school and was so proud to be her son’s UCAL baseball coach. Gracie enjoyed gardening, traveling, and spending time with her family, and will be missed by so many people who loved her dearly. She was a true friend.

A Memorial Service and reception are planned for Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 2140 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77098.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

(2 Timothy 1:7)