Hello, everyone, I’d like to begin by thanking everyone for coming to celebrate Angie’s life and to thank my nieces for entrusting me with our sister’s Eulogy - I feel very honored. For those of you that may not know me, my name is Evelyn, but everyone calls me Evie, one of Angie’s sisters 😉
Angie’s early life:
August 20, 1932, Angie was born at home in San Francisco by a midwife which was very common in the early 1900’s. Angie’s father was Domingo Rivera and Mother Julia Perez Frese. Angie was the 3rd oldest of 8 children, 4 brothers and 3 sisters. Angie was preceded in death by her sister Henrietta and Brother(s): Benny & Richard. And survived by her sister(s) Carmen & Evelyn and Brother(s) Dennis & Manuel
Education:
Angie grew up in Oakland where she went from elementary thru 8th grade. After 8th grade Angie stayed home to care for the house & cook while our mom worked. Angie’s nick name by her siblings was “Olive Oyl” because she had the skinniest legs.
During Angie’s school years she had to overcome a lot of adversities as a child…. she had a speech impediment which we believe was derived by her loss of hearing at an early age (the term as we know it today is “Auditory Processing Disorder APD” which was not defined or recognized until 1954. Consequently, Angie was bullied and made fun of at school which only made our sister stronger!
One story (of many) was Angie was a stellar baseball player and her coach picked her to play on the team over 2 other girls. These girls harassed Angie and followed her home one day. Our mom came out, braided Angie’s hair, and told the girls they can fight her one-at-a-time. Well, needless-to-say our sister kicked butt 😉. However, afterwards, Angie & Carmen were let out of school 10 minutes earlier than the other students for fear of retaliation.
Work/Family: On the weekends Angie and her siblings had to pick prunes to make extra money. Conveniently, Angie would become ill, so she didn’t have to go. However, when there was a Puerto Rican dance, she miraculously got better.
Throughout her career she worked as a cook at two convalescent homes where she retired.
In 1950, Angie met the love of her life at a Puerto Rican dance his name was Frank Nieves (AKA Paco) - they didn’t court long & married that same year (word has it that she wanted to get out the house). They leave behind 4 children: Shirley, Tommy, Frankie, and Cindy, 9 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
Interests/hobbies: Angie was a devout 49er/Oakland A’s fan. I had to laugh when I went to visit her a few weeks ago and peeked in her room that was filled with 49er memorabilia even her bedspread along with miniature bottles of Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey.
A fond memory that puts a smile on my face is that Angie enjoyed watching the Bay Bombers on Channel 2… which took place in the 1970’s - 5 powerful women skaters – 2 teams that slammed their rival into the rails. She even got me, my sister & mom to watch it on Sundays we would all get riled up shouting at the TV…
In her past time, she enjoyed doing word puzzles and putting 1000-500 piece puzzles together which she would display on FB for all to see.
She really enjoyed playing cards pinnacle with all the family. They could play all night if you let them.
When Angie was in her mid-60’s she began playing Darts which was another sport Angie seemed to master with my sister Carmen. She was very good & took 1st place on many occasions. When she walked into the bar to play darts or for tournaments she was treated like a queen because all the guys wanted her on their team.
One of my recent happiest moments was when she came to visit me after my divorce to make sure I was ok with my nieces. 89 yrs. old what a true blessing. That warmed my heart, and we had such a great time together.
There are so many fond and funny stories that I could go on and on but I know my time is up…
In closing, our sister Angie had a heart of gold and rose above her diversities she was a warrior ---- a force never to be reckoned with. She didn’t have a mean bone in her body BUT don’t mess with her family which was everything to her! Her sweet quiet demeanor along with her smile & laughter was very contagious and loved by all which is a true testament as I look out and see the love that fills this room today.
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