Zenaida Benedicto Rivera

April 9, 1947 - February 24, 2020

Malloy & Son Funeral Home

3028 Broadway

Galveston, TX 77550

Wednesday 3/4, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Rosary 7:30 PM

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

1302 Broadway

Galveston, TX 77550

Thursday 3/5, 10:00 am

Calvary Catholic Cemetery

Thursday 3/5, 11:15 am

On Monday, February 24, 2020, Zenaida Benedicto Rivera, loving wife, mother of 3 children, and grandmother of 4 grandchildren, passed away at the age of 72.

Zenaida was born April 9, 1947 in Iloilo City, Philippines to Tiburcio and Rosalia Marquez. She received a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Central Philippine University in 1969, and practiced as a Registered Nurse at The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas. On January 28, 1975, she married her beloved husband, Mario Austria Rivera. They raised 1 daughter, Zandra Rose Rivera, and 2 sons, Mark Benedict Rivera and Michael Jon Rivera.

Everyone could see her excitement for life and for achieving in areas only she thought was possible. Her mere presence had an effect on everybody she was around. She had the energy to recognize in others what they could not recognize in themselves. She always wanted to help others be the best that they could be. Zenaida was loved by many for her unconditional giving spirit, overwhelming generosity and kindness to others.

Zenaida was preceded in death by her parents, Tiburcio and Rosalia Marquez, siblings Gene Marquez and Joy De Jesus, and niece, Ma. Teresita Estampador. She is survived by her husband, Mario, her 3 children, Zandra, Mark (Mona Lisa), and Michael (Brandee), her 4 grandchildren, Israel, Landree, Rylee, and Grayson, and her siblings, Evangeline Estampador, Dennis Marquez, and Gladys Marquez.

Zenaida’s family will receive visitors beginning at 5:00 pm, Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home. Remembrances will begin at 7:00 pm, followed by a rosary at 7:30 pm.

Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 am, Thursday, March 5, 2020 at Sacred Heart Church, 1302 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, Texas, 77550 at 10 am. Flowers may be sent to Malloy Funeral and Cremations, 3028 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, Texas, 77550.

Pallbearers will be Enrique Matias, Gary Bulda, Dave Rivera, Jacinto Belen, Carlos Suayan, Stevie Joe Marquez, Fabian Rivera, and Sean Moes. Art Mamitag and Ephraim Santibanez will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Malloy Funerals & Cremations

Linda burns

Debra Martin and MSGT. Courtney Newsome

Cindy Warner

Elizabeth Armstrong

Cyndee and Vin Mire

Light a candle

Flowers & Gifts

Arrangements starting at $35

On Monday, February 24, 2020, Zenaida Benedicto Rivera, loving wife, mother of 3 children, and grandmother of 4 grandchildren, passed away at the age of 72. Zenaida was born April 9, 1947 in Iloilo City, Philippines to Tiburcio and Rosalia Marquez. She received a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Central Philippine University in 1969,…

See Condolences

my condolences to the family. I worked with Z. for over 12 years as a night Unit clerk. I have to say we ate well at night. Lol. Vey nice lady. Good nurse. She will be missed.

To Mrs.Zenaida's family. My name is Debra Martin, my daughter's name is MSGT. Courtney K. Newsome. We would just like to let you know the kind person your mother was and how we adored her. My daughter met her through me and it was love at first sight. We had good times together. When my daughter worked at the Embassy in Lebanon, she sent me a jacket and expressed to me that it was for Mrs. Zenaida. When daughter was trying to find a spice that she truly liked, while she was on vacation, she brought this spice back to my daughter. We will miss her kindness, wisdom and joy that she always shared. Thank you for all for being the products of such a wonderful woman.

My Thoughts and Prayers be with you during this time of Grief. 🙏🏾💪🏾 Cindy Warner

My Deepest Condolences to the Family of Zenaida Rivera. I will always remember the love and compassion, she showed everyone around her. She always brought so much light to those she cared about. I will miss her dearly.Heaven has gained an Angel. 🙏🏾💪🏾 Cindy Warner

In memory of Zenaida Benedicto Rivera, Elizabeth Armstrong lit a candle

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I’ve known Zenaida Rivera for so many years during my working as a RN at UTMB. She was a very friendly person and always remembered to call you by name even 30 years later.She was a person that will be missed and it hurt me to know she passed.So active and lively she will be in heaven still helping others.Praying for the family in their painful loss.

It was a pleasure knowing Mrs. Z from UTMB. She was a very sweet soul. May you rest in heaven. You were an angel on earth and now an angel in heaven. I will miss you. My deepest sympathy to your family. May God give them strength and comfort.

Wishing you comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to hold in your hearts.

Sending our condolences to the family of Mrs. Zenaida Rivera. We worked together at UTMB on the Geriatric unit. She was a great nurse! May she R.I.P. Sincerely. Cynthia Johnson

I am so sorry for your loss!! I worked with Zeneida for many years at UTMB. Her dedication and professionalism in taking care of her patients was very obvious. Rest in peace, my friend. It was a pleasure to know and work with you!

Ms Z was a loving person. She will be missed by all officers and nursin staff at Hospital Galveston

My deepest condolences to Z's family who she loved and cherished so dearly. I will always remember the love, compassion, and service you extended to EVERYONE you encountered, including me. Heaven has truly gained an Angel. Thank you for sharing her with us she truly touched my life and so many others. Rest well Z you will be missed, but your legacy shall live on. Love always, Louretta UTMB HUC 7B

Sending my most Sincere Condolences, I will Never Forget Mrs. Zenida, She worked with my sister, Rosalinda Rodriguez R.N. Ay University Of Texas Medical Branch from 1992 until she retired. Mrs. Riveria was and will always be remembered as the Most Compassionate, Sweetest Woman and Registered Nurse I have Ever Met!! Once you met her, you will never forget her. I also had the pleasure of meeting her Love of Her Life, Mario. Everyone in Galveston, Island, knew him also from his employment with the Galveston United States Post office. There were and always will be the Perfect, Harding Working, Loving, Devoted Couple, Catholic family, I have ever met. Sincere Condolences, My thought and prayers are with the Riveria Family. Sincerely, Eliza E Rodriguez R.N. Galveston, Texas 77550-4905

Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy, Vin and Cyndee Mire

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.