Font ResizeHAYWARD — Throughout her life, All Saints Catholic Church meant everything to Loretta Albiar, a member of the fourth of six generations of a Portuguese immigrant family to attend the landmark religious site.
Albiar died of cancer-related causes Wednesday in her daughter's Livermore home. She was 69.
Albiar was baptized at All Saints and entered its school in 1947 as part of the first third-grade class.
Outgoing and affectionate, she was described by parish life director Steve Mullin as "a woman of deep faith.''
He said Albiar, who was born in Castro Valley and became a lifelong resident, gave her time and talents to church programs for children, adult education, social services, arts and the environment.
Over the past decade, she also worked as the church bookkeeper.
Evelyn Godinez, Albiar's daughter, said her mother had a great fondness for animals, particularly dogs. Her favorite saint was St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
Albiar also contributed time and money to greater Hayward-area community programs, such as emergency shelters. She was a familiar figure working at, or attending, community events and fundraisers with John Guinee, her companion of 27 years.
In addition to her daughter and Guinee, Albiar is survived by a son, Mark Albiar of Livermore; a sister, Patricia Asvitt of Castro Valley; and three grandchildren.
Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. Monday at All Saints, 22824
In a 2006 interview, Albiar endorsed plans to remodel and expand All Saints. The parish was founded in 1868, and the current church building opened in 1909.
Godinez said her mother asked that memorial contributions be sent to the church or to the Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598.
Reach Karen Holzmeister at 510-293-2478 or kholzmeister@bayareanewsgroup.com.
