Carmen Maria Rivera Ruiz de Gonzalez

1936 – 2024

Carmen Maria Rivera Ruiz de Gonzalez, born on September 7, 1936, in Ponce, Puerto Rico, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2024, in Sanford, Florida. She was the beloved daughter of Carmelo Rivera Cortez and Fransisca Ruiz Perez.

Carmen was a strong, hardworking, and resilient woman who devoted her life to raising her six children: Ismael "Mikey" Gonzalez, Luis "Louie" Gonzalez, William "Bill" Gonzalez, Jose "Joey" Gonzalez and his wife Mariluz, Carlos "Lee" Rivera, Marta Celentano and her husband Craig, and her second daughter, Linda Cruz. Carmen's legacy lives on through her 13 grandchildren (Kassandra, Cody, Deanna, Jose, Jomari, William, Ricardo, Breana, Robert, Carlos, Aletti, Romeo, and Christopher) and one great-granddaughter, Luna. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Gloria Rivera Ruiz and three cherished granddaughters: Natalia Rivera and Mia and Miranda Gonzalez.

At the age of 15, Carmen moved to New Jersey to live with her aunt, Antonia Morris. It was there that she built a life for herself and raised her children with unwavering love and determination. In 1990, she relocated to Orlando, Florida, where she continued to touch the lives of those around her.

Carmen worked in daycare centers throughout her life and found immense joy in teaching children. Her generosity knew no bounds; she was always giving to others and supporting charitable causes. Her caring nature made her well-loved by family and friends alike.

Carmen's strength and compassion were an inspiration to all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those who loved her deeply.

A Catholic Prayer Service will be held Saturday, January 4, 2025, 10am, at Becker Funeral Home.  Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.