Ceferina M. Rivera

McAllen- Ceferina Rivera passed away on May 30, 2021. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her beloved children, grandchildren, and her great grandchildren. “Cefe” as she was known, was born in Monterrey, Mexico in 1935. She met her husband to be Martin at 15 and married him when she was 18. They immigrated to the U.S. in the late 50’s where Martin got a welding job. They bought their first home in 1965 where they raised 9 children. It was a happy home where visitors were always welcomed. Cefe was always willing to provide a coke and tortillas filled with something delicious for all who stopped by. Neighbors always looked forward to her tamales at Christmas and her capirotada during lent. She was a hard working wife and mother; always cooking, sewing outfits for her daughters, and tending to her garden. She loved flowers and her loved ones made sure to bring them to her. Her grandchildren & great grandchildren called her Ama and always looked forward to a visit because that meant tortillas and frijoles with chorizo! Her home was where her children and their families gathered for the holidays, mother’s day, and her birthday.

In later years when she slowed down a little, you could find her watching her telenovelas. She made it very clear you were not to change the channel. If you happened to change the channel because you saw her eyes closed, she would wake up immediately and say, “para que le cambiastes” and make you change it back.

She loved to tease us by calling when she made our favorite dishes and someone else was eating them. I think that was her way of encouraging us to visit. She always loved it when we gathered together; the more the merrier. Even her son-in-laws, Nando and Bill adored her and were always willing to do things for her and she enjoyed pampering them with her food.

She leaves behind her husband Martin and seven children Marge, Cesar, Juan, Raul, Maria, Laura, and Miguel; 18 grandchildren, Angie, Hugo, Nancy, Kelly, Esia, Monica, David, Justin, Lia, Blanca, Jordan, Natasha, Nick, Leylah, Jared, Jeremiah, Angelina, and Nathanial Jr; 11 great grandchildren, Sami, Jayden, Hailey, Sylus, Martin, Mildreth, Briana, Gianluca, Kylie, Cesar, Jace, and Ace.

She is preceded in death by two of her children Hugo, Blanca, and great granddaughter Alize. She was the last surviving member of her family.

We will miss you greatly, Ama, but we know heaven has a new angel that is smiling down upon us (and or frowning depending on what we’re doing). As a tribute to you, we your grandchildren have decided to design and acquire a tattoo to honor you memory and even though we know you would not have agreed, we are going to be as stubborn as you on this decision!

Always Loved, Never Forgotten!