Obituary of Dora Rivera
Dora Rivera, (nee Guardiola), age 73, of Joliet, passed away peacefully, Saturday, June 17, 2017 at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center, with her loving family by her side.
Born November 9, 1943 in Martindale, Texas, she was the daughter of Domingo and Maria (nee Garza) Guardiola, Sr. She married her beloved husband, Porfirio “Pete” Rivera on June 2, 1962, and he preceded her in death on January 9, 2016.
Dora was an active member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Joliet, and the Grupo Guadalupano. She was a master seamstress creating beautiful gowns for all occasions, and would even help tailor clothes for those who asked. She loved children and loved to take care of them as if they were her own. Dora had a passion for decorating, using her own home to create her interior decorating dreams, and also had a creative side, helping family and friends with wedding planning and flower arranging. Her beautiful soul and a smile could light up a room.
Surviving are her loving and devoted children, Debbie (Mark) Paskvan, Karen (Tim) Joiner, and Jeff Rivera, all of Joliet; her six adoring grandchildren, Janna Paskvan, Brianna Rivera, David Paskvan, Stephanie Joiner, Gabriel Rivera, and Alexander Joiner; her beloved brothers and sisters, Mary Lou (Pete) Morales, Enedina (Zeke) Salazar, Rebecca (late Robert) Pena, Samuel (Anita) Guardiola and Domingo (Matilda) Guardiola, Jr.; a dear sister-in-law, Nadine Guardiola; and many fond nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; one sister, Theresa Balli; and three brothers, Robert Guardiola, Jessie Guardiola and Edward Guardiola.
The family would like to give special thanks to Natalie and Pam for all the love and support they provided while taking care of Dora.
A Memorial Mass for Dora Rivera will be celebrated Saturday, June 24, 2017 at 12:00 NOON at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 205 E. Jackson Street, Joliet. Interment will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park. There will be no visitation. Fred C. Dames Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
