Mary Rivera-Diaz passed away peacefully at the age of 79 in her Virginia Beach home on Jan 9th, 2023. Mary was diagnosed with end stage renal disease some time ago and had expressed a wish to pass with family in the comfort of her home under hospice care.
Mary was born to parents Jesse James Allen and Louise Smith on June 11th, 1943 in Princess Anne County. She married Samuel Rivera-Diaz in 1960 and was a devoted Army wife for over 20 years. They had 4 children who all still live in the area. Cooking was Mary’s passion and she worked in the food service industry in various capacities through the years. She enjoyed 39 years of marriage with Samuel or as he was affectionately called by her - Rivera, until his passing in 1999.
Mary was a strong willed woman, holding down the fort at home multiple times over the years while Samuel was stationed overseas. After his death she embraced her role as Matriarch, playing a prominent role in the lives of her children and grandchildren as she was their main babysitter. Mary was the rock and the glue of the Rivera-Diaz household and her passing will be deeply felt by her family. Her feist and wit will be missed.
She is survived by her children, Samuel Rivera-Diaz and his wife Pelsina, Rita Adames, Lita Rivera-Cortes, Luz- Marie Rivera-Diaz, 6 siblings - Ellen, Alberta, Yusuf, Anthony, Samuel, and Diane, 13 Grandchildren - Tonya, Marcela, Albertson, Richard, Gilbert, Marta, Ismael, Monica, Samuel, Lysette, Julian, Manuel and Jasmine who has another great grandbaby on the way. She will be missed by a host of nieces, nephews, great grandchildren and her former son in law, Luis who lived in her home at the time of her passing.
Visitation will be at 1:00 at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home 601 N Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, 23462. Funeral Service will begin at 2:00 with reception to follow at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home.
Rest in peace with Dad, Mom. We love you
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kellumfuneralhome.com for the Rivera-Diaz family.
