Loretta Alvarez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Loretta Alvarez
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Loretta Alvarez in 1994, age 102
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| Born |
Loretta Lucero
1892 |
| Died | 30 December 1996 (aged 103–104) |
| Nationality | Pascua Yaqui |
| Occupation | Midwife |
| Known for | Tucson's Kino Community Hospital named the hospital's labor & delivery unit after her. |
Loretta Lucero Alvarez (nicknamed Mama and Nana) was a special kind of helper called a midwife. She was part of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and lived from 1892 to 1996. For many years, from the 1920s to the 1970s, she helped families in Tucson, Arizona, welcome new babies.
Loretta was so important that Kino Community Hospital in Tucson named their unit for helping mothers give birth after her. She was known for her kindness and skill.
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Loretta's Early Life
Loretta Lucero was born in northern Mexico in 1892. When she grew up, she married Luis Alvarez. Luis worked on the railroad. After they got married, they moved to Nogales, Arizona.
After World War I ended, Loretta and Luis moved to Tucson. There, they built a big family. They had 14 children together.
Helping Families: Loretta as a Midwife
Loretta was often called "Mama" by her family and by people in her community. This nickname showed how much they loved and respected her. She spoke both the Yaqui language and Spanish. This helped her connect with many different families.
She helped women from various backgrounds, including her own Pascua Yaqui community. Loretta used special methods in her work. She knew a lot about herbs and used gentle prenatal massage. These skills helped her deliver babies safely, even those in difficult positions.
Families would pay Loretta for her help. Sometimes they gave her money, but often they paid her with fresh vegetables and food. This showed how much they valued her important work.
Loretta continued to work as a midwife until she was 80 years old. She lived a very long life, reaching the age of 104. She often said that her strong Catholic faith was a big reason for her long and healthy life.
Loretta's Lasting Impact
Loretta Alvarez left a wonderful legacy in Tucson. Because of her dedication and the many lives she touched, Kino Community Hospital honored her. They named their special unit for helping mothers give birth after her. This means her name continues to be a symbol of care and new beginnings for many families.
See also
In Spanish: Loretta Álvarez para niños
