Leonora P. Rivera

Leonora Pangilinan Rivera was born in Paniqui, Tarlac, Philippines on October 29th, 1935. She was the second oldest of twelve children (ten sisters and two brothers). She married the late Jose Gamboa Rivera in 1949 and they had nine children. She was widowed at age 36, left to raise and care for her children. At the time, the oldest Nar was 19 years old and the youngest, Peter, was 8 months old. She currently has 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

In March of 1981, she immigrated to the United States, residing in San Diego with her son, Ric’s family. Then she moved with them to Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, Washington, where she enjoyed her job in the field picking flowers. Amongst the flowers she picked, she loved tulip flowers the most.

One of her sisters, Mel, lives in Arizona, brother Deck in Minnesota and brother Sito in Oxnard, California. The rest of her siblings live in the Philippines.

Mom always talked to her son Ric during her early years in San Diego in the 80's concerning her dreams and aspirations for the rest of her family who were still in the Philippines. She was so happy and excited when the petition for her other 6 children was filed with the immigration office in 1981. Carlos was already a service-member in the US Navy at the time and Leng was already residing in San Diego in 1983. The fulfillment of her dreams came to fruition on Feb 8, 1988 when the 6 children finally migrated to the United States. She was so happy that all her children were now reunited.

Her children have all successfully immigrated to the United States, Ric and Carlos through being enlisted in the US Navy and the rest thru the standard immigration process. The five brothers - Nar, Ric, Carlos, Alan and Pete - and their families live in San Diego. The sisters and their families reside throughout the U.S. Leng in Moorpark, California, Lita in Memphis Tennessee, Beth in Raleigh North Carolina, and the late Yolly resided in Oxnard California.

She moved back to San Diego in 1988 where she stayed with her children’s families. In 1990 she cared for her grandchildren, Kimberly and Tiffany, Carlos’ children, in Paradise Hills, San Diego. She liked helping around the house especially with cooking. She loved organizing and cleaning the house, making sure that everything is in its place and there’s a place for everything.

She also spent times with her children in Moorpark and Oxnard California. She always cooked diningding, her favorite dish, for them and whatever dish they requested her to cook. She enjoyed going to clothing stores Ross or TJ Maxx and spent hours looking for clothes and shoes that are red tagged or marked down items. She always looked for good bargain.

She took pride in her children’s successes. One of her very memorable moments was at the U.S. Navy ceremony in September of 1999 when she pinned one of the Chief’s anchor device on Allan’s collar of his newly worn khaki uniform. Her daughter-in-law Lynn pinned the other anchor device.

One of the many fond memories was when her youngest son Peter flew her to Texas to accompany him driving back to San Diego. It was 2 days of constant chatting. She did not stop telling Pete stories just so he doesn't fall asleep while driving.

She enjoyed spending time playing cards with her close friends in Mira Mesa who she considered as an extended family. She also enjoyed going to Las Vegas playing the slot machines. One memory was during the 90’s when she and the family went to Las Vegas. She stayed up all night trying to win. She even brought chicken feet, rubbing the slot machine in hopes that it will bring her luck and hitting the jackpot.

She moved to Windsor Gardens on October 27, 2004 where she lived under the care and assistance of the nursing staff. Her family made sure that they would visit her on a weekly basis and that she’s always a part of special occasions both in her children’s homes and Windsor Gardens. She especially enjoyed the company of her roommate and friend, Socorro. She was involved in the facility’s activities, like bingo, ice cream social, birthday celebrations and most especially the Sunday Worship service. The quality of care and compassion that the Windsor Gardens staff, especially Carol was always exceptional and comforting to the family.

As ‘Ma to her children and in-laws, grandma and GG to her grandchildren, Auntie Nor to her nephews and nieces, Nora to her friends and Nanay to the Windsor Gardens Staff, she will be greatly missed. She lived a very colorful life. The last eight years have been quite medically challenging but it is thru these last eight years that she has found the Lord and accepted Jesus as her Lord and personal Savior. The Rivera family clings on to the promise of the Lord in…

Acts 16:31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household."