Edith "Joyce" Rivera

Edith “Joyce” Rivera Maes, 74, went to be with the Lord on December 21, 2021 in Pueblo. Joyce was born on August 19, 1947 in Alamosa, CO to parents Delfinio and Mary Ortega, who both precede her in death. She is also preceded by her grandmother who helped raise her, Emilia Sandoval; husband Carlos Rivera; grandson Zachary Colby; brothers Delfinio Ortega Jr. and Joseph Ortega Sr.; sisters Frances Muniz, Betty Vigil, Delfinia Maxwell, Rose Vigil, and Judy Montoya; nephews Charles Muniz and Ricky Muniz; brothers-in-law Jerry, Glenn, Julian, Bernie, and Ike Maes. Joyce grew up in Leadville and Pueblo, graduating from Central High School in 1965. She also lived in New York City for several years (where daughter Brenda was born) before moving back to Pueblo in the mid-1970's. She retired from the Diocese of Pueblo after close to 40 years of service. After retirement, she continued to fill-in with the Diocese as needed and also worked with All Seasons Catering. Joyce was devoted to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ, always talking with her family and friends about accepting Him as their Lord and Savior. She was always available to family, friends, coworkers, and church family for any kind of help they needed – whether advice, volunteering on several church ministries, working on charitable events to benefit at-risk people, or just a friendly ear. Joyce had a wonderful sense of humor and was always able to have fun and enjoy life, no matter what else was going on, and she lived for her grandchildren. She is survived by loving husband, Ben Maes; daughter and son-in-law Brenda (Mike) Colby; grandchildren Caitlyn (Kristian Taylor) Colby and Ryan Colby; sister (and partner in Christ) Geri (Louis) Madrid; brothers David (Annie) Ortega, Leonard (Pollie) Ortega, and Delbert (Patsy) Ortega; stepchildren Bernadette Marley, April Maes, AnnMarie Maes, Bobby Cancino, Marco Maes, Cary Maes, and Dale Maes; sisters-in-law Rosie Wilson, Dorothy Morris, and Helen Prien, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, friends, church family, coworkers, and other extended family throughout Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Oregon, Florida, New York, and Puerto Rico. A Celebration of Joyce’s life will be held on Friday, January 7, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Family Worship Center, 3800 Parker Blvd, Pueblo, CO 81008, with Pastor Bobby Aragon officiating. Interment to follow at Imperial Memorial Gardens, 5450 Highway 78 West, Pueblo, CO 81005. Masks encouraged.