Eleanor Nory Abarca Rivera

We regret to inform you that Eleanor A. Rivera “Mommy Nory” passed away last Sunday, March 14, 2010 at approximately 5:17 am (pdst). She suffered from end stage renal disease (kidney failure) and underwent dialysis treatment for over three years. She also overcame major surgery two years ago to remove a malignant tumor (liposarcoma) on her chest. Although the last four years were challenging, she spent several birthdays, Thanksgivings, Christmases and other significant events surrounded by her friends and family. Her condition worsened at the beginning of the month and she died peacefully in the hospital with her family holding her to the very end.

You will be happy to hear that her life, notably her last years, were full of joy and laughter, even taking a trip to her home country the Philippines, to visit with friends and relatives three months ago.

Eleanor's funeral services are now completed in the United States. Thank you for your kindness, generosity, support and sympathy.

Her remains will be flown back to the Philippines and there will be a public viewing of her remains at Sanctuarium Funeral Home from April 1, 2010 (Thursday) to April 3, 2010 (Saturday). Her memorial service will be held on April 3, 2010 (Saturday).

Sanctuarium Funeral Home

739 Gregorio. Araneta Avenue corner Agno Extension

Brgy Tatalon, 1113 PHILIPPINES

Tel: (02) 415- 2255 or 02) 711- 2255 or (02) 416- 2255

http://www.sanctuarium.net/index.html

Due to the numerous inquiries we received, flowers may be sent to Sanctuarium Funeral Home, 739 Gregorio Araneta Avenue corner Agno Extension Quezon City Philippines on or before April 3, 2010. Donations may be made to Rosan Araza or Eleanor Rivera. We appreciate your generosity and kindness.

I’m so sorry to have to bring you this sad news and we look forward to sharing our fond memories of Eleanor “Mommy Nory” with you. If you need any further information about the funeral services in Sacramento or Manila, or would like to share your thoughts of Mommy Nory, please don’t hesitate to email us at remembering.mommynory@gmail.com or by calling us at (916) 267-8885.

Eleanor Abarca Rivera was loved and cared for by many people. Her warm heart and amiable personality captured many hearts.

Nory was born and raised in Manila, Philippines. Loving parents Guillermo and Alejandra Abarca instilled in her many admirable qualities that she carried with her throughout her life. They taught her to be reliable and respectful. As a child she enjoyed making people happy and found it easy to show sympathy and perform acts of kindness towards others.

Nory had an older sister, Priscilla. She and her sister had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they supported one another As a adults they lived far apart, but the distance did not break their bond as sisters.

As a young girl, Nory had a number of interests and was active. One of her favorite games growing up was hopscotch. Later on she took an interest in badminton. She graduated from High School at the Philippine College of Commerce in 1960. One of her favorite classes was Stenography and the teacher she learned the most from was Mr. San Pedro. As an avid singer she was a member of the Glee Club.

Nory was a faithful and loving person. She can be described as sentimental and romantic. On April 20, 1963 Nory married Alexis Rivera at Paco Catholic Church in Manila, Philippines. Compassionate and devoted, Nory worked hard to care for and keep her life partner happy.

Family was the priority for Nory, and it was important for her to keep her family together. She was blessed with four children; three daughters, Elgin, Rosan and Aura and a son, Roland “Rolex”. Fortune smiled upon her once again with four grandchildren, Adrian, Adam, Aurelle and Rachelle.

Nory was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Nory was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Nory would listen before she would act.

Nory's friends will describe her as a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. Her ability to hold a conversation made her a popular person throughout her life. But her gift for talking did not derail her ability to be trustworthy, loyal and dependable. Her kindness and and consideration of others radiated an aura of warmth for those that surrounded her. For those reasons Nory was able to make true and lasting friendships. Mila Havil, Auntie Adeling, Auntie Ely and Tiong Chito were friendships that began early in her life. And friends Cora Edaugal and Barbara Solon came later.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Nory. She was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. Her primary occupation was as Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director of the City and County of San Francisco. Eleanor worked continuously for 41 years. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues. As a result of her efforts she was recognized and given awards. Some of her most prestigious awards included the city and county of San Francisco, Department of Public Works, Bureau of Engineering's Secretary of the Year in 1990. She also received the Merit Award for Recognition of Outstanding Performance on December 16, 1988, December 11, 1990 and December 17, 1991.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Nory was always enthusiastic about new adventures. She was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1998. Not only did Nory enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included Washington State, the Philippines, Australia and Hawaii. Eleanor remained in San Francisco and later on moved to Sacramento. In retirement, she found new pleasure in staying active in the church, taking care of family and enjoying being a grandmother. Throughout her later years, Eleanor was an active member of religious organizations including Missionary Oblates. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member of St. Paul's Church for 6 years. Even in retirement, Nory stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her.

Nory passed away on March 14, 2010 at Mercy General Hospital. Eleanor fought a brave battle against end stage renal disease. She is survived by her husband Alex, children Elgin, Rosan, Aura and Roland, sons-in-law Robert, Rene and Bong, grandchildren Adrian, Adam, Aurelle and Rachelle, sister Priscilla and cousin Tere Villanueva. Services were held at Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home. Eleanor will be laid to rest in La Loma Cemetery, Quezon City, Philippines.

Nory was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical, sensible, understanding and kind, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the way she lit up the room with a big smile on her face. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Eleanor Abarca Rivera.