Maria B Rivera

Maria was an amazing loving, funny, giving, compassionate and energetic mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. In 1947 she married the love of her life, the late Jesus Rivera. They were married for 69 years before Jesus’ passed in 2017. She is survived by her 8 children, Rosie (Bob) MacFarlane, Yolanda (Lloyd) Stickle, Jesse (Gloria) Rivera, Gerardo (Nancy) Rivera, Carmen (Marcus) Belmares, Jaime Rivera, Mario Rivera and Roberto Rivera. In addition to her children, she is remembered by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In 1957 she, her husband and five children left Mexico to join her family in San Jose, Ca. Maria rejoiced in having large family gatherings at their home. The family gatherings consisted of her siblings and their children. The house was filled with love, music, food and laughter.

Although, a very busy mother of eight, she managed to care for her aging parents, and work in the canneries during the summer to meet their family’s growing needs. Maria loved and enjoyed her work. Maria was well known for her laughter, friendly smile and outgoing personality. She worked for Del Monte and Contadina Canneries until retiring after 25 years.

After retirement, she and Jesus became active church members at Most Holy Trinity Church, in

San Jose. They sang in the church choir, attended church seminars and became eucharistic ministers. In addition, they traveled to Mexico to visit relatives and twice with their church group to Europe and the Holy Lands, unforgettable trips that lived in their memories for years to come. They were active church members until their health declined.

Maria was a very proud mother of her children’s successful careers. Her daughter’s elected to work with people in the areas of education, social work and health care. Likewise she was just as proud of her sons who have worked in technology and related fields serving the public. Furthermore, she was proud of her children’s continued commitment to embrace family values and tradition in a world that is constantly changing.

Maria will be greatly missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family members. She was the last of her generation. She’s with her parents, beloved husband, sisters, brothers and great-grandson, Ricky Stickle.