Obituary of MaryAnn Rivera

MaryAnn Rivera passed away July 24, 2020 at the age of 96. She was born in Red Wing, Colorado to parents Juan and Pablita Valdes on July 12, 1924. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ray Rivera; her daughter, Helen Rivera; brothers, Eladio, John and Marion; sisters, Susie, Vicki, Harriet, Bella, Lillian, Cora, Reynalda and Secundina. MaryAnn is survived by her children, Eileen Carter, Tony Rivera (Jeanne Kilbane), Ed Rivera (Lisa Gonzales Webster), Ken Rivera (Patty), Rodney Rivera (Rebecca); six grandchildren, Kyle, Kayla, Melinda, Chad, Gianna and Analicia; and one great-grandchild, Lianna. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Ophelia Kristjansson, Florence Chambers, Maryellen Rivera, Victoria Carlucci, Minnie Rivera, Mary Rivera, Ida Rivera and Julia Rivera. MaryAnn enjoyed a full life as a homemaker, mother and wife. She also enjoyed working in the hospitality field throughout her life. She was devoted to her Catholic faith. The Ray Rivera family was among the first families to join the Divine Redeemer Parish. Later, the family joined Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish when it relocated just a few blocks from the Rivera residence. MaryAnn enjoyed road trips with Ray and later traveled to Europe, Mexico and other exciting destinations with her children. She also enjoyed volunteer activities at Otis Senior Center, her parish, and other organizations. With friends and family, she enjoyed gambling with rolls of nickels and quarters. Cripple Creek was often a favorite destination. She also enjoyed bingo, dominoes and card games. She loved being with family and was appreciative of their loving support. MaryAnn was well known for the time she spent growing green chile from seed. She was excited to grow several varieties from Colorado and New Mexico. This enjoyment extended to her love of cooking and trading recipes. She learned to cook as a child growing up in a large family in the small village of Red Wing. She was excited for opportunities to share amazing stories about her early life in a small Colorado community which she always called her �home'. A private Visitation will be held Sunday, August 2, 2020.Rosary, 10:15AM, followed by Mass of Christian Burial, 11:00AM, Monday, August 3, 2020, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 2715 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909. The mass will be streamed live. The link to watch the mass is located on MaryAnn's Tribute Wall on The Springs Funeral Services' website. Interment, Evergreen Cemetery, 1005 Hancock Expressway, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903.Following the burial, family and friends are invited to a celebration of MaryAnn's life at the Cucuru Gallery Caf�, 2332 Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904. The reception will be streamed live. The link to watch the reception is located on MaryAnn's Tribute Wall on The Springs Funeral Services' website.Memorial contributions in MaryAnn's memory may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Events Rosary Monday, August 3, 2020 10:15AM Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church 2715 East Pikes Peak Avenue Colorado Springs,, CO 80909 Phone: 719-633-7204 Mass of Christian Burial Monday, August 3, 2020 11:00AM Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church 2715 East Pikes Peak Avenue Colorado Springs,, CO 80909 Phone: 719-633-7204 Final Resting Place Evergreen Cemetery 1005 Hancock Expressway Colorado Springs, CO 80903