Della (Audelia Alaniz) Rivera, born in Wharton, Texas on February 24, 1918 passed away on April 24th, 2024. Her death can definitively be recorded as a true celebration of life. Mrs. Rivera lived a full 106 years filled with educational and career achievements. Della graduated from Cuero High School in 1935. She was one of the first Hispanic women to graduate from Cuero, Texas. Against financial and cultural odds, she persevered in her schooling because of her thirst and love for knowledge. In 1953, she completed her certification for LVN at the Cuero Bohman Hospital. In 1957, her husband's job required a family move to San Antonio where she continued nursing at the Nix Hospital. Then in 1966, Mrs. Rivera started nursing at the San Antonio State Hospital. In 1972, she obtained an Associate's Degree from San Antonio College. While continuing to work at the State Hospital Mrs. Rivera then completed course requirements to graduate with a Bachelor's of Science Degree from Southwest Texas State University in 1977 at the age of 59. Mrs. Rivera held several positions in various clinics and units At the State Hospital before retiring after 19 years of service in 1986 as a nurse administrator. She truly loved her job with dedication and passion that spanned 33 years.

Her community involvement included charitable events through The Sultanas Organization, Auxiliary of The Alhambra Bejar Caravan # 56 and as a member of the Catholic Daughters of America. Della was a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and was proud to have her name inscribed at the Alamo.

Della married her high school sweetheart, Rudy Rivera in 1939 and together, they spent their retirement years fulfilling their dreams of world travel. Mrs. Rivera was widowed after 60 years of marriage and attained her greatest achievement as our Family Matriarch for the next 25 years.

She is survived by her daughters Eva Ortiz, Cecelia Castillo, and Lisa Hensley (Rex Hensley) and her beloved niece Erma Wilcoxson who was another daughter to her.  Her grandchildren: Rodney Ortiz (Stephanie Ortiz), Regina Hixson, Roger Ortiz, Laura Glenn, Pauline Perry Barton (Lowell Barton), Lindsay Ratliff (Russell Ratliff), Lisa Reagan (Neill Reagan), Marcello Garcci (Laura Garcci); 16 great grandchildren; 12 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Special love and appreciation to caregivers Teresa Garcia and Paula Ohlert.

Rosary and Mass will be offered Wednesday, May 8th, 2024, at 11:00 am

Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, Bldg. 9

11624 Culebra

San Antonio, Texas 78253

Interment will follow at 1:30 pm, Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

St. Peter-St. Joseph Children's Home

ATTN: Finance Department

919 Mission Rd.

San Antonio, TX 78210

Phone: 210-533-1203