Carol Santos Rivera

Carol Santos Rivera left us unexpectedly on November 24, 2022, at the age of 58. The irony that comes with this date is in a way suiting; a day when family, friends, close acquaintances and neighbors are able to stop and truly remember just how thankful we all are for Carol. We remember all of the amazing characteristics of Carol that made her who she was and what we all loved about her.

Carol was born on December 25, 1963, in Austin, Texas. No one could be better suited for sharing their birthday with the Christmas holiday, which was Carol's favorite. She cherished the tradition of picking out the perfect Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving and decorating it with ornaments dedicated to her children, as well as her annually collected Tinkerbell ornaments. You could always count on Carol to get any of the classic Christmas songs stuck in your head, as she was always humming them around this time of year.

There are so many ways to describe Carol, but a few of the most common recollections that people have shared are; she was loving, generous and kind hearted, she had a big beautiful smile, she was always caring for others, she was tiny but so strong. These words have brought Carol's family comfort in knowing that she is remembered for all of the right reasons.

Carol was often found whipping up her most loved recipes, like her famous salsa, chicken tortilla soup, enchiladas, spinach artichoke dip, and the list goes on. She loved to cook and share her delicious food with others. She also enjoyed her coffee in the mornings, talking with others and sharing stories, going on walks (especially if they included her 2 adored "grand-dogs", Mija and Nora), and spending time with her mother. When she had the chance, Carol loved to go camping and take day trips with her husband. On Sunday mornings, you were sure to find Carol practicing her faith at St. Louis Catholic Church. Most of all, Carol enjoyed the company of her friends and family, whether that be a quick lunch, sipping on a pear martini at Bartlett's or sharing a bottle of Pinot Noir.

Carol is predeceased by her father (Blas Santos) and her brother (Rocky Santos). She is survived by her husband (Bonifacio Rivera) of 23 years, her daughter and her partner (Stephanie Elizabeth Rivera & Robert Penta), her son and his wife (Jake Rocky Rivera & Alice Russi Rivera), her mother (Sara Uballe), her sisters (Barbara Garcia & family and Peggy Lopez & family).

A visitation for Carol will be held Sunday, December 4, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78752. A rosary service will occur Sunday, December 4, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78752. A funeral mass will occur Monday, December 5, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Saint Louis King of France Catholic Church, 7601 Burnet Rd, Austin, Texas 78757. A graveside service will occur Monday, December 5, 2022 at 12:00 PM at Assumption Cemetery, 3650 S Interstate 35 Frontage Rd, Austin, Texas 78704.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Rivera family.