Mercedes M. Rivera

Her life began in a Rio Nuevo, Puerto Rico, where she lived amongst her many siblings. In the late 50s she started her family, moving to Panama shortly after. In 1973 she settled in Monterey Bay with her 4 children, Rosa Murray, Maria Hobson, Yolanda Rivera, and Angel Rivera Jr. Though she raised her family in Marina, California, her heart remained in Puerto Rico. Chilin would fly back home regularly and spend time with her family. She taught her lineage the importance of Puerto Rican Pride with Puerto Rican music playing in the background.

Dońa Mercedes enjoyed spending time with her family. She loved making traditional boriquin comidia to share. She loved taking the time to show us how to fold pasteles con amor and making Arroz Con gandules to fill our bellies. Mercedes doors were always kept open to her loved ones, whether it was for a cup of coffee, tea, a nap or a place to come back to center. She never met a stranger, any where she went she made a new friend.

Grandma Mercedes kept a safe space for her family whom she loved unconditionally. In her eyes, we were all good people doing our best to navigate the world. She moved gracefully always treating others with kindness. Dońa Mercedes created a community amongst her family and friends. Her love created a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire us for generations to come.

After blessing earth for 84 years, Dońa Mercedes laid to rest con Jehovah on October 26th, 2024. Dońa Mercedes will always have a place in our hearts for her memory is a keepsake we hold dear. As we navigate the world she is the light guiding us through our darkest times.

Dońa Mercedes Rivera is survived by her children: Rosa Murray, Maria Hobson, Yolanda Rivera, Angel Rivera.

Her grandchildren: Lenecia Marlana Hobson, Mario Murray, Leonard R Hobson, Enjoly Chantal Murray, Zenyn Helenna Rivera, Emanuel Rivera, Matthew Murray, Azalia Marcilina Rivera, Yanayvette Maya Rivera

Her great grandchildren: Cokilya Tabu Keith Jr, Alesia Jazleeen Morales, Jacoby Diego Morales, Indyah Robinson - Murray, Ronnie Dequin Robinson-Murray, Xavier Alexander England, Thomas Evans Lowery III, Aaliyah Lenecia Rivera, Emari Anthony Rivera

Her great-great grandchildren: Jazleen Aliyah Becerril, Aleena Victoria Becerril, Jacoby Diego-Lee Morales III, Amiri Ildefonso Soto.