Marilyn Frances (Hill) Alvarnaz, 69, of Raynham, passed into the presence of Jesus Christ on Wednesday, August 21, after a courageous battle against cancer. Born December 2, 1943 in Taunton, Lyn was the daughter of Frances (Allen) Hill and Warren Hill and the loving wife to Paul Joseph Alvarnaz, with whom she shared 49 years. Lyn also leaves two sons, Kevin Anthony Alvarnaz and wife, Carol, of Mount Wolf, PA and Peter Warren Alvarnaz and partner, Emmi-Lu Stires, of Denmark, TN, and seven granddaughters. She was a loving sister to Richard Hill of Easton, Roger Hill of Orlando, FL, and David Hill of Jackson Hole, WY; aunt to many nieces and nephews; a best friend to many; and a loving and loyal child and servant of God.
Lyn’s life was filled with a love for music and in service to others. She shared her gift of singing soprano with the Taunton Civic Chorus, the Jubilate Chorale, and in many local churches. She was the co-founder of the RAVE volunteer program in the Raynham schools and, when her sons were young, was president of the Parent Teacher Organization and active in supporting the Boston Youth Symphony. She was active with local Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts organizations as well as a long-time friend of Lois W.
Working as a hairdresser for 47 years prepared Lyn to use her God-given talents to assist other individuals battling cancer through the newly-formed Look Good, Feel Better program of the American Cancer Society. She helped bring the program to Boston-area hospitals and then to local hospitals on the South Shore over the past fifteen years.
Two years ago, Lyn and her dear friends, Rosie Sanchez and Edith Pontes, started the Cancer Support Group of Christ Community Church in Taunton, where she was a regular attender. Lyn’s passion and commitment to helping others battle cancer, spiritually and physically, was evident to all who knew her.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, September 7 at 11:00 am at Christ Community Church, 41 Stevens Street in East Taunton. Arrangements are under the direction of the O’Keefe-Wade Funeral Home in Taunton, MA . In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in memory of Lyn Alvarnaz to: Christ Community Church, 41 Stevens Street, East Taunton, MA 02718 or the Dana- Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.