Maria Rivera

Maria Rodriguez Rivera, 76, of Topeka, passed away December 14, 2011 at St. Francis Health Center. She was born March 3, 1935 in Topeka the daughter of Jubencio and Saturnina (Borjon) Rodriguez. Maria attended East Topeka Junior High School, Topeka High School and Washburn University. Maria was employed by Seymore Foods, Frito Lay, Sears, Duffens Optical, The State of Kansas as a Key Punch Operator and American Bookbinders. She enjoyed gardening, reading and all needle craft arts. Her favorites were embroidery, crocheting, and quilting. Maria cared for both her parents and grandchildren in her later years. Maria was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church She is survived by two children, Rosanna E. Rivera and Walter S. Rivera and his wife, Patricia all of Topeka. Three grandchildren, Alexander N. Rivera and his fiance, Kassi, Maddisen S. Rivera, Isabelle M. Rivera and a great grandson, Alexander Xavier Rivera. Other survivors include five sisters, Inez Young of Topeka, Gloria Ramos of Lawrence, Anna Rodriguez of Topeka, Angelina Gonzales of Topeka and Elena Carrizales of St. Paul, MN, two Brothers , Gilberto Rodriguez of Ozawkie and Jose Luis Rodriguez of Lawrence. Her Aunt Jesse Borjon and Uncle Joe Borjon along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews also survive. Maria was preceded in death by her brother Raul Martin Rodriguez and her parents. Maria will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Sunday at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. A Parish Vigil Service will begin at 5:30 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Maria?s memory may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka 66603. Online condolences may be sent to www.brennanmathenafh.com.