Maria came to National City in 1959, and remained in the South Bay area of San Diego. Maria retired as a dietary technician at Balboa Naval Hospital.
Maria was predeceased by her loving husband of over 22 years, Melchor Cristobal. She was also predeceased by her daughter Mayra Rivera, her son Luis “Tato” Rivera, her sister Matilde Rivera, and her two brothers, Jose Rivera and Johnny Rivera. Maria is survived by her daughter Sylvia Jusino, son Ralph Rivera, daughter Lourdes Rivera, daughter Myrna Silva and husband George Silva, and daughter Wanda Loechner and husband Erich Loechner. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held at Funeraria del Angel in National City on August 1, 2019, and a funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 2, 2019, at 12:00 Noon at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, in National City, California.