Dora Rivera

Dora Rivera, age 82, passed away September 17, 2005 at her residence is Santa Rosa following an illness. Dora was born November 13, 1922 in Walsenburg, Colorado to the home of Ignacio and Adelina Espinoza Moreno. She was raised in Pecos, NM. Dora married Max Rivera on September 2, 1937 in Santa Rosa. She enjoyed growing plants and taking care of her animals. Dora was a devoted member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church where she and Max devoted a lot of their time in decorating the altar and getting the Church ready for the different seasons and Holidays. She was a member of the Altar Society where she served as President for over 30 years, the Catholic Daughters, Cursillista's and served as Eucharistic Minister. Max and Dora were recently chosen by Archbishop Michael Sheehan to receive the St. Franciss of Assisi award that would be presented to them in October at St Francis Basilica for all their hard work and dedication they have given to their Parish. Dora was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend and will truly be missed. She is preceded in death by her parents, an infant daughter Carolina Rivera, her son; Alfredo Rivera, brothers; Ignacio Moreno,Jr., Jesus Moreno and Nazario Sena. Survivors include her husband Max Rivera of the family home in Santa Rosa, her children; Max Rivera, Jr. and wife Patricia of Albuqueruqe, Robert Rivera and wife Ida of Santa Rosa, Cathy Apodaca and husband Anthony of Los Lunas, daughter in law; Yolanda Rivera of Santa Rosa. She is also survivied by her brothers and sisters; Eloy Moreno, Frances Baca and husband Frank, Alice Lopez and husband Manuel, Beatrice Gonzalez and husband Lawrence, Margaret Benavidez and husband Gene, Sister in Law; Josefita Lopez Coronado, 15 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild as well as numerous nieces, nephews and a host of realtives and friends. Rosary services will be held on Tuesday, September 20, at 7:00 PM from St. Rose Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 21, at 10:00 AM also from St. Rose Church with Father Nick Nichols officiating. Burial will follow in the family plot at St. Joseph Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers will be her grandsons; Anthony Rivera, Eric Rivera, Joaquin Rivera, Vincent Rivera, Sam Rivera, Armando Apodaca, Gabriel Apodaca and Estevan Apodaca. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be the rest of her grandchildren. All services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 south 3rd St. Santa Rosa, NM (505)472-3369. For online condolences please vistit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.