Ramona Rivera, 80 years old, was born August 26, 1939, to her parents, Elena Rojas (deceased) and Ramon Garcia (deceased). She was called home to her Heavenly Father on the morning of Saturday, May 9, 2020, in Chicago, IL.
Ramona married her friend and love, Ruben Rivera, who preceded her in death in 1974; her sons, Baby Jimmy Rivera (1958) and James Joseph Rivera (2000) preceded her in death; her only sister, Isabel Guerrero (1971) preceded her in death.
Ramona was the loving and patient mother of ten children; Ruben G. Rivera Jr. (2 children, 5 grandchildren); Maria LouAnn Rivera (6 children, 11 grandchildren); Baby Jimmy Rivera (deceased); Eva Rivera (1 child, 5 grandchildren); James Joseph Rivera (deceased) (4 children, 2 grandchildren); Carolyn Ann Rivera (4 children, 13 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren); Theresa Nicole Rivera (5 children, 8 grandchildren); Michelle Rivera (5 children, 12 grandchildren); Josefina Luisa Lopez (5 children, 3 grandchildren) and Cynthia Rebecca Lopez (3 children).
Ramona was the irreplaceable aunt to Anthony G., Maria Elena, and Augustina Guerrero. She was accepting to her sons/daughters-in-law. She showed unconditional love to all of her grandchildren. She was compassionate and called “Ma” by many. She was the friend who listened and Comadre you’d like to have coffee with.
Mom/Grandma (Ramona) lived most of her life in the Heart of Pilsen. She loved people and food. She loved shopping, watching movies, gambling and cooking. She especially loved visits from her grandchildren. She was the foundation to our family. She encountered many obstacles throughout her life, but always came out a Champ. She was the nurturer, the protector, the jokester, the dancer… She was the counselor, the mediator, the referee. She was proud of our accomplishments, and never stopped encouraging us to get back up when things got tough. She’d welcome you in if you needed a place to stay. She never passed judgment. She’d feed you too (Mmm..). She’s the true meaning of a beautiful and courageous warrior. She loved us all so, so very much with all of her heart. She was EVERYTHING to us.
Knowing that Ramona has entered the Gates of Heaven and is at peace, her memory will live on through the lives of her family. A legacy, she’s imprinted in our hearts… She will forever be missed and never ever forgotten.
Her life was a living example of the Bible verse, Ephesians 4:32 – “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgive one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”
Visitation: Wednesday, May 20, 2020, Hursen Funeral Home, 4001 Roosevelt Rd, Hillside, IL 60162 .
For those wishing to pay respects at the funeral home, public visitation will be only one hour from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Per CDC requirements only 10 people allowed in Visitation Room at all times. Please be respectful of the family’s wishes. No children under the age of 13 will be allowed for safety reasons.
Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic all attending visitation, church service and or burial must wear mouth covering at all times. Per guidelines of the Archdiocese of Chicago Churches and Cemeteries the number of people attending the funeral service and burial should not exceed more than 10 people. Due to these restrictions the funeral, mass and burial will be private.
