Aurora Rivera

WESLACO- Aurora Ayala Rivera was born in Weslaco, TX on September 3rd, 1930. She entered in Heaven’s Gates on August 28th, 2014.
Aurora had an interesting story, she was born to Anacleto and Francisca Ayala, however, she was raised by her God Father and God Mother who adopted her at the age of one. You see, Aurora was to be the 7th child and Antonio and Julia Gracia were next door neighbors and dear close friends to the Ayala’s and though they tried desperately, they could not have children and clearly, the Ayala’s we blessed. Seeing the torment and emptiness in the lives of the Gracias, they agreed to allow them to adopt their youngest child. Back then, there were not very many options for those who could not bare children of their own. The agreement was, Francisca would raise her up to a manageable age (a few months to a year) and then they would let her bless the lives of her God-parents. Although the children were in love with their sister and begged their mom to let her stay, she was a woman of her word. The day the after she was given to her God Parents, Francisca, Aurora’s birth mom, died in a tragic accident at home. She was caught on fire in the kitchen and ran out into the field and was seen by her husband Anacleto, unfortunately she died that evening. Anacleto was left to raise 6 beautiful children as a widower and Aurora was raised by Antonio and Julia. She maintained her relationship with her family who loved her dearly, and she is survived only by her sister, Herlinda Ayala.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Anacleto and Francisa Ayala, and her parents Antonio and Julia Gracia (Julia died when Aurora was only 17), her sisters Concepcion A Martinez, Catarina Ayala, and Josefa Briones and her brothers Alfredo and Armando Ayala.

Aurora married the love of her life, Hipolito Rivera and enjoyed 56 years of marriage. She was a mother that was held dear to Angie (Gustavo) Mejia. However, she welcomed and enjoyed spending time with her step son, Jose Rivera (Carrie) but was not fortunate enough to have raised him herself. She was blessed with her first granddaughter, Marissa Zavala (Rodolfo) in 1980. After a long wait, a second blessed granddaughter would be born in 1991, Indira Mejia. She even was able to have great grandchildren, Mariela A Salinas and Rodolfo Zavala Jr., and numerous nieces and nephews.

Aurora had an unwavering faith in God, attending church regularly. She had a passion for cooking and planting flowers. Others may know her for her work ethic and salesmanship at the local down town shop, Casa Lucy where she delightfully served clients for 30 years.
We would like to offer our sincere gratitude to the Weslaco Nursing and Rehab nurses and staff, where she spent the last 3 and a half years of her life and also to Knapp Medical Center for her care in their hospital.
A memorial mass will be held Tuesday, 10am, at San Martin de Porres in Weslaco.