Elena McDonald Rivera

Elena McDonald Rivera, 103, a remarkable woman who graced the world with her presence, passed away peacefully at her home in Pharr on Wednesday, January 10th, 2024 surrounded by her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Adolfo and Adela McDonald, her husband, Manuel Rivera, and two sons, Manuel Rivera Jr. and Jose Guadalupe “Wale” Rivera.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Viola (Oscar) Salinas, Mercedes Rivera, H. Hector (Nora) Rivera, Rosa M. (Agustin) Pena, and daughters in law, Sylvia Rivera and Viola Rivera, along with 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Angelita (Helo) Hernandez and numerous nieces and nephews.

 Also waiting to reunite with her in Heaven are her siblings: Consuelo McDonald Segovia, Severo “Ryan” McDonald, Jose Garcia, Roberto Garcia, and Claudina Garcia Mata.

Elena was born in Hidalgo, Texas, and moved to Pharr with her family where she resided for the rest of her life. She married her one true love, Manuel Rivera, in 1940 and together they raised a family and created a legacy. Elena’s family was the center of a life that was filled with love, strength, and wisdom.  Elena instilled in her children the value of hard work, integrity and compassion. She was not one to sit and watch TV but was always bustling and whistling as she worked around her home, created delicious meals, enjoyed her pet birds, and taught her children and grandchildren the importance of education, faith, and prayer. When she did manage to sit, it was to watch a baseball game on TV, work on a Word Search puzzle, hold her loved ones close, or play Chalupa.  When she had the opportunity to travel, her destination of choice was somewhere she could play her “maquinitas”. She was a source of inspiration for multiple generations, and Elena will be fondly remembered for her tireless work ethic, her love of family, and her elegance.

The family is also forever grateful to Mercedes Rivera whose life centered around the comfort and caring of her much-loved mother, Elena. The family would also like to thank Dr. Max Hernandez and his staff for their compassion and care of Elena.

Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. with a 6 p.m. Rosary on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. Funeral service will take place at 2 p.m. Monday, January 15, 2024, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Pharr.  Interment will follow at Palm Valley Memorial Gardens in Pharr.  Serving as pallbearers are her grandsons.       

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan.