Anna M. Rivas

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Anna M. Rivas. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Anna was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

Anna was born on October 9, 1926 at General Hospital in El Paso, Texas. She was the daughter of Jose Hernandez and Teresa Escarcega. Anna was raised in Smelter Town, El Paso, Texas. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Anna was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Anna's personality throughout her life.

Though Anna was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Anna was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Anna worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Anna was raised with five siblings. She had one older brother, Manuel, three older sisters, Beatrice, Sara and Mary and one younger brother, Ramiro. Anna and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Anna was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Anna was always tactful. One thing Anna will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Anna had a number of interests and was an active child.

For Anna, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Anna was also adept at details. Anna was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from Bowie High School in 1944. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was English.

There was one thing that all of Anna's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Anna was such a popular person throughout her life. But Anna was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Anna was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Anna was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Anna was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Anna was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Anna made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of her best friends were Apo. Later in life, she became friends with her sisters.

Anna was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Anna cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On November 3, 1948 Anna married Felix Rivas at Sacred Heart Church of El Paso, Texas. Compassionate and devoted, Anna worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Anna and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Anna was blessed with five children, Terry, David, Becky, Elsa and Julie. They were also blessed with nine grandchildren, Debbie, Shawn, Melina, Danel, Bryan, Niko, Sara Ann, Josh and Sydnee and six great-grandchildren Jake, Chloe, Jacob, Quinton, Baby D, and Bella. Anna was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Anna was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Anna would listen before she would act.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Anna, and she expected the same from those around her. Anna was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Anna was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Anna handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was postal employee. Although her work experience was wide in range, her most fulfilling occupation was with the National Assoc. for Hispanic Elderly where she had the opportunity to represent her community in Washington, D C. 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.

A methodical woman, Anna enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were story telling, water aerobics, scrabble, playing gin rummy, hangman, crossword puzzles, reading, tic tac toe, dancing and senior aerobics.

Anna was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Anna was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Recreational sports included bowling. Anna also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity.

Her high moral standards and traditional values served Anna well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in Los Angeles, California for 40 years and St. Dorothy Catholic Church in Glendora, California for 10 years. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

Not only did Anna 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 traveling to Mexico.

Anna was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Her family was rounded out by her Cocker Spaniel, Lady and Maya, her Calico Cat.

Since it was easy for Anna to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, Anna was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1991. In retirement, she found new pleasure in travel, active in church and senior center. Spending time with family and going out to the movies. She enjoyed eating out with her daughters and grandchildren. Even in retirement, Anna 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.

Anna passed away on September 24, 2011 at home in Glendora, California. She is survived by her children Terry, David, Becky, Elsa and Julie, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and her sisters Mary and Sara. Services were held at St. Dorothy Catholic Church. Anna was laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery in Montebello, California.

Anna was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Anna 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 and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss her.