Maria Ursula Elaine Alfaro

Obituary

Maria Ursula Elaine Alfaro passed away peacefully on May 1st, 2026, at 9:40 pm at Sutter Roseville Hospital, surrounded by her loved ones. She was 72 years old. After a long and courageous battle with illness, Elaine now rests in peace with the Lord and her family in Heaven.

Elaine was born on June 16th, 1953, in San Rafael, California, to Audelino and Rose Espinoza. She grew up in a large, loving family as one of eleven siblings, seven brothers and three sisters. Her parents initially had seven children: Gloria, Johnny, Sandra, Elaine, Christopher, Patrick, and Charles, followed by four more: James, Paul, Mark, and Yvette. During her childhood, Elaine’s family frequently moved between San Francisco and Sacramento, where her father’s and mother’s families resided. She often expressed fond memories of spending time with her grandparents in San Francisco as a little girl.

Elaine embraced her Mexican heritage proudly and was honored as the Maya Queen in her senior year at Sacramento High School, recognized for her beauty and long hair. Her passion for music led her to become a professional singer with a beautiful voice, performing as the lead singer in many bands over the years. She also enjoyed cooking and worked in a restaurant.

Elaine’s personal journey included a seven-year relationship and marriage to Scott Wentzel, with whom she had her first son, Nathaniel. Despite early health challenges, Elaine fought with strength and God’s grace, allowing her to live a full life. During her music career, she met Ned Valentino, the drummer in one of her bands, and they had two sons, Vincent and Anthony. Later, Elaine found true love and a lifelong partnership with Stephen Alfaro. They married on June 2nd, 2001. Elaine became a devoted stepmother to Stephen’s three daughters, and together they cherished 11 grandchildren. Their marriage lasted nearly 25 years until Elaine’s passing.

Elaine was a devoted Catholic who lived her life for Jesus. She was known for her kind heart, generosity, and resilience. Family meant everything to her, especially her grandchildren, and she celebrated life with joy through singing, dancing, birthday celebrations, and trips to the beach. Her radiant smile and unwavering spirit touched everyone she met.

Elaine is survived by her husband, Stephen Alfaro; her three sons, Nathaniel, Vincent, and Anthony; her three stepdaughters, Rachel, Veronica, and Stephanie; her daughters-in-law, Suzanna, Judy, and Malita; and her six grandchildren, Marianna, Parker, Isabella, Lilly, Joseph, and Janessa. She is also remembered by her four step-grandchildren, Jesus, Michael, Maryellen, and Manny, as well as her large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Elaine’s life was a blessing to all who knew her. She will forever be cherished and never forgotten.

A viewing and Rosary will be held on Wednesday, May 13th, with viewing from 5-6 pm and Rosary from 6- 7 pm at Saint Peter - All Hallows' Parish, 5501 14th Ave, Sacramento, CA 95820. Her funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 14th at 12 pm at Saint Peter - All Hallows' Parish, Sacramento, followed by burial at 2 pm at St. Mary Cemetery, 6509 Fruitridge Rd, Sacramento, CA 95820, and a celebration of life at All Hallows’ Parish Hall until 5:30 pm.

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