Maria Lydia Rivera Franco

Maria Lydia Rivera Franco age 87 passed away on February 16, 2025 in Mansfield, Texas. She was born in Chihuahua, Mexico on October 24, 1937 to Faustino Rivera and Maria Efren Corral. She met and married Rafael Franco, Sr. They later moved to Corpus Christi, Texas and had five children.

Mom was wonderful, loving, caring and affectionate. Maria was well loved by her family. She had a young soul and a "heart of gold." She enjoyed cooking great meals for the family, watching her novelas and listening to music. She adored all of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She had a special mother and son bond with her "Baby Boy" - Javier Rivera Franco. They both loved spending time cooking together, laughing at his jokes and hearing him sing to her, especially the Mananitas. They loved reading Bible verses and just watching movies. He loved making her Smile! They also enjoyed talking about their cat Tiger. She showered all of us with love and always saying at the end of every phone call "God Bless You and I Love You - alot, alot, alot!" and “See you later alligator." She always had us in her prayers every night.

She is preceded in death by her son Rafael "Ralphie" Franco Jr, Granddaughter Jessica Marie Franco Moreno, and a number of her siblings who have passed throughout the years.

She is survived by her children: Son - Juan "Johnny" Franco Sr (Judy) from Grand Prairie, Tx. Daughter - Mary Franco Moreno (Joseph) from Arlington, Tx. Daughter - Lydia Franco Morin (Dr. Vincent Jr.) of Corpus Christi, Tx. Son - Javier Rivera Franco of Corsicana - known as "Baby Boy" Grandchildren: Joe Franco, Jay Franco, Jacob Franco, Johnny Franco Jr. (Joyce) Norma Jean Franco Santoyo (Pete), Brandy Franco McElroy, Vincent Franco Morin Ill, as well as numerous beloved great grandchildren and beloved nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at Moore Funeral home on Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 4:00pm to 8:00 pm. A funeral service for Maria will be held Monday, February 24, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 1200 S Davis Dr, Arlington, TX 76013. Following the funeral service will be a graveside service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Moore Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 1219 N Davis Dr, Arlington, TX 76012.