In Loving Memory of Nellie Ortiz Rivera “Mami” | “Mama" September 1, 1945 – April 21, 2026

With both heavy hearts and the peace of God, we share the passing of Nellie Ortiz Rivera, lovingly known as Mami and Mama. Nellie was a faith-filled woman of God whose love for Christ never wavered. She was a devoted intercessor, faithfully covering her children, family, and friends in prayer throughout her life.

Nellie was known for her warmth, nurturing spirit, and joyful sense of humor. She found simple joys in life, thrift shopping, her Avon days helping a dear friend prepare orders, and the little things that made her uniquely her. If you knew Nellie, you knew her love for her Vicks VapoRub :-) and her signature headband—those small, familiar comforts that brought laughter to so many.

Above all, she loved deeply and gave freely. Her presence was a steady source of comfort, wisdom, and care to those around her.

She leaves behind her beloved sons, Nelson Alvarado and Jose Alvarado & Melody Colina Alvarado, along with her cherished grandchildren: Vinnette Alvarado, Nico Alvarado, Yasaliz Alvarado, Melody Rose Alvarado, and Daniel Escobar, and her god-grandson Rey Pate. She is also lovingly remembered by her sister Marta Torres and family, her niece Rinette R. Oppenheimer and family, her nephew Ralph Rodriguez Sr. and family, and Jose “Josie” Aponte and family, along with many extended loved ones.

Nellie is now reunited in glory with her husband Carmelo Rivera, her parents, her sister, and many others who went before her.

Though we grieve her absence, we hold tightly to the promise of God’s Word:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

And we rest in the assurance that:

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” — 2 Corinthians 5:8

Today, we celebrate a life well lived and a faith well kept. We will miss her deeply, but we find peace knowing she is home with the Lord—and we will see her again one day.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23