Maria De Lourdes Rivera Piscil

Maria De Lourdes Rivera Piscil, age 61, entered into eternal rest on November 1, 2024 while surrounded by her loving family in Joliet, IL. She was born to Jose Rivera and Gloria Rivera Piscil in Mexico City, Mexico on July 10, 1963. 

Maria left Mexico for the United States in 1999. As a single mother with two sons, she dreamed of opportunities for her boys, but she knew that those opportunities could only be fully realized through hard work and dedication. She worked two jobs for most of her adult life to provide for her sons. One of her passions was to cook for people. Whether she was preparing food for customers, friends, or family, she put her soul into every dish that she made. One of her favorite things to do was to sit down at a large crowded table, with those she loved, to enjoy the fruits of her labor. She was so proud of her sons, and she was careful and deliberate in raising them to be worthy of that pride. She focused on their character and compassion, and they will forever be grateful for the guidance that she provided throughout their lives. Maria had a great love for life, and was known to light up a room when she walked in. People of all backgrounds were drawn to her, and she became fast friends with so many people over the years. She believed in the power of music. She appreciated its ability to raise spirits and affirm the beauty of life. She loved to dance, and was always willing to teach those around her to dance along with her. She was a beautiful social butterfly, a devoted mother and grandmother, and will always remain the ultimate role model for her surviving family.

Maria was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Victor Manuel Rivera and Antonio Rivera, her nephew Jorge Hernandez, and her niece Samantha Hurtado.

She is survived by her sons Erik Lopez Rivera and Oscar (Erica) Lopez Rivera, her beloved grandchildren Melany, Brandon, Aiden, Ana Marie, Jade and Catalina Lopez, her sisters Margarita Rivera and Concepción Rivera, and brothers Jose Cruz Rivera, Raul Rivera, and Miguel Angel Rivera.

Cremation rites for Maria have been accorded, and a Memorial Celebration of Life will be held at Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Rd. Joliet, IL 60435 on Saturday November 16, 2024 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm. A chapel prayer service will take place at 6:30 pm.