Nellie Rivera

Born in Santa Paula, she was a lifelong resident of Ventura County. Nellie and her husband of 40 years, Mar Rivera, owned and operated Rivera Liquors in Oxnard for over 25 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mar, and five of her brothers, Marcos Garcia, Jess Garcia, Robert Garcia, Frank De La Riva, and David Castañeda.

Nellie is survived by her two remaining siblings: John Garcia (Oxnard) and Mary Beresford (Torrance); her four children - Al Rivera (Dawn Swinton Garcia); Jim Rivera (David Luna); Yvonne Velarde (Manuel Laporte); Yvette Cortez (Tony Cortez); her four grandchildren – Annette Kelly (Bob Kelly); James Velarde (Christina Hogan); Erasmo Cortez (Devin Cortez); Emilio Cortez; and her five great grandchildren – Amber, Hannah, Jonathon, Timothy and Michael Kelly.

A service to celebrate her life will take place on Saturday, April 14th, 1:00 p.m. at Bible Fellowship Church, 6950 Ralston Street in Ventura.

The family wishes to extend its heartfelt appreciation to Gold Coast Caregivers for the wonderful care provided to Nellie by Sabina Schafer and Lorena Sanchez during the last years of her life. The family also expresses its sincerest gratitude to the Sisters, Servants of Mary, and staff of Mary Health of the Sick who gave the most compassionate and peaceful care during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Mary Health of the Sick, 2929 Theresa Drive, Newbury Park, CA.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.