Delia Rivera

Delia H. Rivera

Delia H. Rivera, 90, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Thursday, May 2, 2024.

Delia was born in Pharr to Teodoro and Emilia Hernandez on February 15, 1934. She is preceded in death by her parents; and sisters, Paula “Nena” Hernandez, Dora H. Garza, Gudermina “Mina” Hernandez; and sisters-in-law, Oralia Rodriguez (Noe) and Olivia Rivera.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 65 years, Rafael Z. Rivera; daughters, Patricia A. Rivera and Maria “Mary” Rivera; and son, Reynaldo J. (Rebecca) Rivera. 

Delia was a very proud and loving grandmother to her two grandchildren, Adrian Javier Rivera and Cecilia Celeste Rivera. 

Left to honor her memory are sisters, Elisena “Chena” Ibanez (Ricardo +), Leonor H. Garcia (Ricardo), Dr. Gloria Davila, and Raquel Closner. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Julia Holsomback (Bob+). In addition, she has several nieces and nephews, including Cindy Flores, Emily (Rene) Garza, Melissa (Ben) Ramirez, Jennifer Garcia, Yvonne Garcia, Richard (Lucy) Ibanez, Kevin Closner, Irma (Mike) Fernuik, Rolando (Melissa) Rodriguez, Cesar Rodriguez, Steve, Eric (Cindy), Kevin, Bill (Dawn), Mark, and Bruce (Jennifer) Holsomback. 

Delia met the love her life, Rafael, in Pharr and they were married for 65 years. They built a life together and never left each other’s side. They went everywhere together, even in their later years. 

Delia worked at Hanshaw’s in Pharr and then started a 38-year career as a proud Partner with HEB. She was a cash controller for all those years and was known for running a strict and tightly controlled back office. Some store leaders jokingly called her “The Commander.” Even in retirement she was always interested in how the company was doing and often asked how sales were going. After retiring from HEB she also spent several years as the bookkeeper for Ruben R. Cardenas, Attorney at Law. She had a strong work ethic that she shared with her kids, grandkids, and HEB Partners. 

She was a lifelong Catholic and could be seen weekly at Sunday Mass at St. Jude’s and then later St. Margaret’s, both in Pharr. She was regularly active with the St. Jude’s Women’s Altar Society and volunteered often at St. Margaret’s.

Delia loved sports and was an avid Cowboys and Astros fan. Her favorite teams though, were the PSJA Bears, and then the PSJA North Raiders. She was a football season ticket holder since the 1970s and sat in the same seats for years. She and Rafael and would often travel to away games across the valley or across Texas if the Bears/Raiders made it to the playoffs. She loved North and was a supporter of not only the sports teams but both the Raiderettes and Raider cheerleaders as well. 

Delia loved her family and was always eager to plan and host family events. From holidays to birthday parties, to wedding and baby showers, she was always willing to host or help others. She also enjoyed gambling and never passed up an opportunity to go to “the maquinitas” with her sister Dora or to go on a trip to casinos across Texas. 

She was most proud of her grandkids and never missed school awards assemblies, band concerts, Children’s Shows, or other events they participated in. She was especially proud of them completing their college degrees and always encouraged them to continue their education. 

Delia was a great cook, and she specialized in sweets and desserts. We will especially miss her famous pumpkin bars at Thanksgiving. 

All those who knew her will agree: She was an amazing woman. She will truly be missed by all those who knew her.

The family would like to give special thanks to: Dr. Omar Gomez and staff who served as her primary care physician team for many years, Maria Del Rosario “Chayito” Zaleta, her caretaker for the last several years, and Anselmo “Chemo” Torres, her hair stylist for over 40 years who became one of her dearest friends. 

 Visitation will begin at 5 p.m., with a 6 p.m. rosary, Monday, May 6, 2024, at Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. Funeral service will take place at 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Pharr. Interment will follow at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission. 

Pallbearers include Richard Ibanez, Rene Garza, Ben Ramirez, Gabrian Vela, Jerry Guerra, and Delia’s Godson, Adalberto “Bert” Jaime.

Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan, Texas.