Norma Jean Rivera

RIVERA

Today we gather in honor of a beautiful soul - our beloved Norma Jean - a woman who was full of heart, full of joy, and full of music.

Norma Jean Rivera, 56, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Norma Jean loved life in a way that was simple, pure, and contagious. If there was music playing, she was moving. She loved dancing to corridos and conjunto, but especially to songs by Selena Quintanilla. The moment a Selena song came on, that was it - she was on her feet, smiling, singing every word, living her best life. That music wasn't just sound to her. It was happiness. It was freedom. It was her.

She had a personality that people were drawn to. Norma Jean was very popular - not because she tried to be, but because her spirit made people feel good. She carried warmth. She carried light. She carried love. She was full of heart in a way that can't be taught and can't be replaced.

Norma Jean dreamed big. She loved deeply. She brought laughter into rooms without even trying. And even on hard days, there was still something soft and sweet about her - something that reminded us what innocence and sincerity really look like.

She is preceded in death by her paternal grandmother, Angelita Rivera, maternal grandparents, Trinidad Alaniz and Estela Guerra Alaniz and father, Oscar Rivera and niece, Aubrey Jolene Villarreal.

She is lovingly survived by her mother and her fiercest advocate, Adela Alaniz Rivera of Benavides, Texas; her sisters: Melinda (Alonzo) Guerra of Corpus Christi, Texas; Sara (Alex) Tovar of Connecticut; and Kristy (Daniel) Treviño of Edinburg. She is also lovingly remembered by her cherished nieces and nephews: Oscar, Cheri', Heather, Allison, Austin, Kailey, Kobe, Tres.

She leaves behind a family who adored her and will carry her memory forward with pride and tenderness.

Norma Jean was deeply loved - not just for who she was, but for how she made others feel. Seen. Hugged. Included. Celebrated.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:30 am on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Garza Funeral Home in San Diego, Texas with a Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 am on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Garza Funeral Home Chapel in San Diego, Texas. Services will conclude that day.

Anyone wishing to leave condolences for the family may do so at www.garzafuneralhome.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Garza Funeral Home.