Carmen Iris Rivera, who loved to be called “Mom” by all, a case manager at Marion Senior Services, passed away at the age of 62 yrs young at West Marion Community Hospital on September 10, 2021 at 4:27AM.
She was born on February 18, 1959, the daughter of Francisco “Paco” Rivera and María Del Carmen Rivera. Carmen was born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico and raised in Quebrada-Camuy, PR. She spent some of her younger years in Washington Heights and Manhattan, New York but later moved back to Puerto Rico before moving to the Ocala area in 1984. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. If there was anything that made her the most proud, it was her grandchildren, watching them grow and enjoying each of their accomplishments. She was always supportive, encouraging, wise and loving. She loved cooking, shopping, laughing, music, coffee and we can’t forget her Coke. She loved and enjoyed our trips to the beach and anytime spent with family. She always sacrificed her needs for the good of her family. She will be remembered as a selfless mother who was tough, independent, a go-getter, and always made things happen no matter what the circumstances were. She was loving, caring, understanding, sympathetic and had the strength of no other. She always guided us children to become Christians and followers of Christ. Her love for Jesus was always in her spirit and will continue for eternity. She will forever deeply be missed by her children, grandchildren, family, friends and all who knew her. Her memory will live on forever in us.
Carmen is survived by her children – Edwin R. Torres, Angel L. Pagan Jr, Kimberly Pagan (Wife), Lizbeth Pagan, Carmen Y. Pagan and Gabriel Pagan; Grandchildren – Yaneliz M. Jimenez, Yessaira L. Pagan, Kiana K. Wiley, Jocelyn S. Pagan, Gabriella M. Pagan, Jailiz M. Jimenez, Jadiel J. Jimenez, Jaiden J. Pagan, Taleah M. Pagan, Kayloni Y. Wiley, Atiana O. Pagan, Angel L. Pagan III and Joshua J. Maldonado; Siblings – Luz Celenia Gerena Rivera, Sonia Rosa Rivera, Victor Jose Rivera, Julio Armando Rivera, Elda Castillo, Eliezer Lopez, Hiram Lopez, Nidya Rivera, Jose N. Lopez, Neftali Lopez and Elsa M. Lopez.
She was preceded in death by – Francisco “Paco” Rivera, Maria Del Carmen Rivera, Juana M. Sanchez, Israel A. Lopez (Tony), Nancy Lopez, Noemi Lopez, Juan H. Lopez (Heriberto) and Eliud Lopez.
A funeral service for Carmen will be held at 4:00pm on Saturday, September 25 at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services (910 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 34470). Visitation will be held from 3:00pm until the time of the service.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13.