Yvonne Candida Rivera

Yvonne C. Rivera went home to be with the Lord in the morning of October 9th, 2025. She was born on July 9th, 1968 to her parents Leon B. Santos Jr. & Celia Benitez in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Yvonne graduated from Mary Carroll High School class of '89 & then dedicated much of her life to being a wife & mother -the homemaker of her family while raising her five children.

Throughout her life, she worked in several roles, beginning at age 15. Some of her favorite jobs included positions at Long John Silver's, Pizza Hut -where she'd meet her husband Jon, Mervyn's Dept. Store & Grandy's Country Cookin' Restaurant. Later, she worked at Kmart while living briefly in Columbus, Ohio, & went on to the photography dept. at Walmart -a job that reflected her want for capturing memories. Most recently, she enjoyed connecting with others as a Scentsy home fragrance consultant.

She will always be remembered for her infectious laugh, outgoing nature & adventurous spirit. She had a creative & youthful soul-she loved painting, listening to music, dancing & having a drink while spending time with friends or family. She loved supporting small businesses in the coastal community, dining out, watching movies & enjoying local entertainment.

Once she was a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin & dear friend to all who knew her.

Yvonne was widowed in 2010 after nearly 15 years of marriage to her husband Jonathan Rivera. She is more recently preceded in passing by her stepmother Amelia Valdez Santos & her father Leon B. Santos Jr., who shared a long life together.

She is survived by her children: Mariah, Jonathan, Sarah, Jeremiah & Nathaniel Rivera.

Her grandchildren: Daniel Cronin, Mondo & Gabriel Martinez, Lillian, Jonathan James & Elijah Rivera. And her sisters: Debra Saenz, Priscilla Sanchez & Yvette Santos.

She was also an aunt to many nieces & nephews, all of whom she cherished as well.

Yvonne was a woman of love who found joy in everyday moments & strength through her family. More importantly, she was a believer in Jesus Christ & never wavered in her faith. Even through her battle with breast cancer, she held tightly to her love of God & trusted in His plan. Her strength, courage, & faith through her journey remain an example of grace & perseverance.

She has now completed her walk through the valley & has been welcomed home through Heaven's pearly gates & greeted with open arms by her loved ones that arrived before her.

In honor of her life, her family encourages others to continue her legacy by advocating for women's health. May her story inspire awareness, hope, & the ongoing fight for a cure.