Maria Rivera

Maria Rivera was born on November 8, 1941, in Vieques, Puerto Rico, to the union of Estaban Cotto and Florencia Davis. Maria graduated from high school and went on to Vocational school where she completed her studies in becoming a dressmaker/seamstress.

Maria's first teacher in the fashion world was her mother, Flora. And Maria's passion was ignited. During her early life at home, Maria was responsible for taking care of her niece and nephew, Papo Rodriguez and Elis Maria Rivera. After that, Maria moved to New York City to live with her oldest sister, Lydia Rodriquez. During those 10 years, Maria worked in a warehouse making underwear and clothing. She also married her husband, Evaristo Rivera, and later moved to St. Croix U.S.V.I. She started her own seamstress business in 1972, and she called it Maria's Fashion. Serving not only the locals, but also tourists as well. Anything from casual, formal (weddings) to school uniforms, which was her cash cow. Maria also shared her talents with her nieces.

Maria was a devout catholic and she loved singing the hymns. She would faithfully attend St. Joseph Church. She also made sure that her only daughter completed her communion and confirmation at St. Patrick Church. Maria loved to travel. She's been to many islands, cruises and many trips to U.S. including Germany twice. Because she could not miss her first grandchild's birth Gabriel (Germany), as well as her second grandchild Alicia(Texas).

Maria loved her family and friends, so much that even her customers became family. She departed this life on July 16, 2024. She's preceded in death by: Husband: Evaristo Rivera; Father: Estaban Cotto; Mother: Flora Cotto; Brothers: Pedro Cotto, Estaban Cotto Jr, Daniel Cotto, & Guillermo Cotto Sisters: Aurora Sanes, Matilde Cotto, Daniela Moreno & Sabina Rosa. And her special niece: Carmin Sanes.

Maria leaves to cherish her memory one daughter, Iliana Rivera-Jarmon (Brandon Jarmon), one sister, Lydia Rodriguez, and her longtime partner, Eleuterio Parrilla. Two grandchildren Gabriel Alexander Jarmon and Alicia Maria Jarmon. Two stepchildren: Carmen & Evaristo Rivera Jr. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews: Nephews: Isidro Rodriguez, Ricardo Rodriguez, Daniel Cotto, Roberto Rosa, Raymond Rosa, Edwin Moreno, Oscar Serrano Jr, Yamil Cotto... (too many to mention) Nieces: Elis Maria Rivera, Julianna Rivera, Iris Rivera, Sandra Rivera, Ilene Rosa, Estel, Alicia, Eldra, Maritza, Ilda, Ide Sanes...Cousins: Luz Davis, Ellie Alicea, Andrea Davis, Estel Cruz, Carlos Lopez... Maria's Honorary Children: Awilda Rivera, Gloria Parrilla, Madeline Cruz & Donald Williams. Maria also had a very wonderful relationship and friendship with her daughter's mother-in-law, Carolyn Jarmon, and longtime customers: Mrs. Cools and Mrs. Angela.