Teresa Rivera

Teresa Rivera (age 87) of Corona, CA passed away on April 9th, 2021 in Salt Lake City, UT due to advanced lymph node cancer. She was born on October 3rd, 1933 to Dolores Hernandez and Silvestre Mendez in Paredon, Coahuila, Mexico. After spending many years in Paredon and Monterrey, MX, Teresa immigrated to the U.S. becoming a legal resident in 1965, and later a proud U.S.Citizen. Married Misael Plascencia Rivera on September 18th, 1965 in Rosarito, Baja CA.

As a long time resident of South Gate, CA, Teresa could often be found volunteering within her local community. She enjoyed coordinating events for her neighborhood and loved to volunteer with her children’s local schools. She prided herself on giving back to her communities. When she wasn’t volunteering, Teresa worked as a manager at a nearby distilling and packaging warehouse. It was at the distilling warehouse where a co-worker suggested she go by “Nana”, as they discussed potential names for the soon to be grandma.

Shortly after retirement, Teresa moved to Corona, where she lived for 25 years. She spent much of her time gardening and landscaping, maintaining one of the most well-manicured yards on her block. Teresa loved to cook and bake for others, known for signature strawberry cupcakes. She cared for her many pets including dogs, a cat, and countless birds. Most of all, Teresa loved spending time with her grandchildren. It was her love for her grandchildren that led her to move to Salt Lake City, UT in November 2017. She spent her remaining years traveling, regularly visiting the local casinos, and caring for her “nietos”, chihuahua’s Bella & Chicho. Nana will always be remembered as a strong, resilient woman, who had an immeasurable love for others.

Preceded in death by her spouse Misael, September 2012; parents Dolores and Silvestre Mendez; brother David Mendez; nephew Jorge Montoya; step-granddaughter Alexis Rivera. She is survived by her daughter Nohemi Rivera, son Misael Rivera Jr. and stepson Leonard (Maria) Rivera; grandchildren Andy (Jandy) Rivera, Jillian Harris-Rivera, step-grandchildren Jordan Rivera, and Xavier Rivera; step-great-grandchildren Kayden Rivera Garcia and Mia Rivera; her sisters Blandina Mendez, Mary (Juan Manuel) Montoya, Victoria (Kenneth) Wong, and Guadalupe Espinosa.

A private funeral service will be held at Larkin Mortuary (260 E S Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84111) on Thursday, April 15th at 2pm. Services were recorded and can be viewed here: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/gpyCEMbtFbVFo7aMdwdJ71JSC6QtmnmLCkDu5A4I_g1ybq2dFHaoLbOYb_USmgED.55QC-w_dC5p9uyJc?startTime=1618516810000. Interment to be held at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA later this year.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Huntsman Cancer Foundation, Supportive Oncology & Survivorship in Nana’s name. https://give.huntsmancancer.org/page/23908/donate/1