Maria C. Rivera, age 93, of Merrillville, passed away Friday, November 2, 2018 at Porter Regional Hospital in Valparaiso.  She was born in Orocovis, Puerto Rico on February 26, 1925 to the late Alfonzo and Julia (Melendez) Ortiz.  She was a cook at Andrean High School.

Maria is survived by her children, Robert (Leanne) Rivera, Carmen Rivera-Adams, Samuel (Anna) Rivera, Margaret (Terry) Leytham, Michael (Lisa) Rivera, Elizabeth (Eric) Atkins, Joseph (Sonia) Rivera, Jaqueline (Scott) Shroyer, Thomas (Lolita) Rivera, Susan (Marco) Molinaro-Rivera; sisters, Antonia (Manuel) Diaz and Lydia (Juan) Reyes; 14 grandchildren; and many great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Juan Rivera; daughters, Anna Rivera and Myrta Barriffe; son, Juan Rivera; brothers, Carmelo, Luis, and Feliz Ortiz; and her parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, in Maria's honor, may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul District Council of Gary, Inc., 7132 Arizona Ave, Hammond, Indiana 46323 or online at societyofstvincentdepauldistri.com.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place directly at St. Bridget Church, 107 Main St. Hobart, IN 46342 at 10:00 am on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 with Rev. Dominic V. Bertino officiating.  Maria will be laid to rest at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville.  Friends may gather with the family on Monday, November 5, 2018 from 3:00-7:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd. Hobart, IN 46342.  For more information, please call 219-942-2109.  Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.