Our beloved Wife, Mother, and Grandmother, Maria De Jesus Nuño, age 69 of Leon, Guanajuato, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2020. She was born to the late Servando Rivera Sr. and Aurora Rivera on June 16, 1950.
Maria spent her childhood years in Leon, with her siblings. She was the third oldest of seventeen children. As the eldest daughter, Maria helped with taking care of her younger siblings, being a second mother to many of them.
At the age of seventeen, the family moved to the United States to make a better life. The family migrated throughout the United States, working as farmworkers. During her time in Michigan, Maria earned her GED, and received an Academic Migrant Scholarship to attend Michigan State. Unfortunately, the family moved to California and her dreams of a college education went away. She continued to help her family by working in the fields and for General Motors.
Mom met the love of her life, Enrique Nuno in 1980, celebrating forty years together. Sharing many wonderful experiences and making wonderful memories, which we can share for years to come.
Our mother’s passion for learning led her to Bakersfield College where she took courses in Licensed Vocational Nursing and Cosmetology. She chose to continue her education with cosmetology. She was able to co-own a salon in Arvin, Ca. She spent 37 years doing the work she loved, cutting hair and building relationships with the community. Although, there are many memories in going to work with our mother, one of the fondest one is cutting an elderly woman’s hair and getting paid with two big russet potatoes. When asked why she took that as a payment, mom’s response, “That is all she had. Besides, with these two potatoes I can make tacos de papas, chorizo and papas, or mashed potatoes.” Mom always thought of her clients first.
Despite her hectic schedule, family and friends were Maria’s passion and delight. She found joy in raising her three children. Always looking out for their best interest. Her biggest fulfillment was becoming a Grandmother to both Adelyna and Arely. She enjoyed spending time with her two “Sunshines” as they danced, joked, laughed, and baked together. Her short time with them will never be forgotten and they will remember their “Gamma” by the many videos, photos, and stories we tell them of her.
Maria is survived by her husband, Enrique Nuno, her daughter Ana Rivera, her son Abraham Rivera, (Luz Acosta-Rivera), youngest daughter, Alexandra Nuno-Ontiveros, (Adalberto Ontiveros Jr.), her two beautiful granddaughters, Adelyna Aurora Ontiveros and Arely Natalia Ontiveros; and a number of other loving relatives and close friends.
Our family wishes to thank all of those who cared for her during her last months.
Due to the circumstances we are facing as a community; burial services will be held privately on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary, at 9101 Kern Canyon Rd. Thank you for your understanding and know that a Celebration of Maria’s Life will be held at later date.
