Esther Rivera

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Esther "Estel" Mojica Rivera on August 15, 2024, at the age of 86. Born on April 16, 1938, in Corozal, Puerto Rico, Estel was a beacon of joy and faith throughout her life. She passed away due to natural causes in Baltimore, Maryland, surrounded by the love of her family.

A woman of deep faith, Estel was a devout Catholic who attended Church every Sunday. She instilled the values of Christianity in her children, who grew up to become believers in Christ, just as she was, and she was blessed by that. Her faith in Christ was her compass, guiding her through life's most difficult challenges with unwavering strength and courage.

Estel was born on a small farm, deep in the heart of Corozal, Puerto Rico. Sadly she was separated from her brothers and sisters at the age of 13 to go live with another family in Caguas. She was raised under very impoverished and desolate circumstances, yet survived through it all with God’s covering and protection. In 1965 she was reunited with her sisters and moved to New York to be near them.

Estel's life was a rich tapestry woven with the threads of music, faith, and family. She had a passion for all genres of music, from the lively rhythms of Salsa and Merengue- to the soulful tunes of Tejano, Country, Disco, R&B, and Pop. Yes, she loved it all. Her love for music was infectious, and she often found joy in sharing it with others. It was not uncommon to find her dancing to her favorite Tejano tunes or humming along to a Country or Disco hit. Her passion for music was only rivaled by her love for the outdoors. She cherished her long, daily walks through her old hometown of Peekskill, New York, whether it was a leisurely stroll through downtown to window shop, a hike to Depew Park with her children, or a visit down to the serene Hudson Riverfront.

Estel was also remembered as a faithful and devoted wife to her late husband, Ramon Rivera, who departed this earth in 1999. Together, they shared a lifetime of memories and built a legacy of love that continued to flourish through their children and grandchildren. She was the beloved matriarch of a very close-knit family, a role she embraced with grace and joy. Estel was a truly devoted, attentive and protective mother to her children, Brenda, Beatrice, and Ricardo, she was their guiding light. That same love was extended to her grandchildren, Dante, Deshaun, and Arianna as each of them held a special place in her heart. Estel’s pride and joy also shone upon Lily, her great-granddaughter, and she treasured every moment she spent with her. She is also survived and remembered by her late husband's grandchildren, Damon, Tavaya, Zahra, Ryan, Jonah and Joshua.

Estel also leaves behind her cherished siblings, Rosalia Moledo, Ovilia Gutierrez, and Francisco "Panchito" Garcia, who will miss her dearly.

Those who knew Estel will remember her for her kind spirit, her faith-filled life, and the courage with which she approached every challenge. Her presence was a comforting and steadfast force, a constant reminder of the power of positivity and the strength of the human spirit. She never complained about any of her circumstances. She just needed to be loved and feel included.

Esther "Estel" Mojica Rivera may have departed from this world, but her memory will continue to resonate in the hearts of her family and friends. Rest in peace, Estel. Your legacy will live on in the songs that we hear playing on the radio, along the paths that wind through Peekskill NY, Corozal and Caguas, Puerto Rico--where you grew up, as well as all of your prayers you uttered in any pew of any Church. Your story is one of survival, strength, courage, love, devotion, and the enduring power of faith. Your light will continue to shine through the memories we hold dear. We bid you a heartfelt adiós, knowing that your spirit will remain with us, until we meet again.

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