Stella Marie Rivera

On behalf of the Rivera family and the Calpulli Ixtotepec Native American Church of the Americas, we invite you to gather in celebration of a life that flowed with sacred grace.

Stella came home to peacefully pass away at her beloved ranch, surrounded by family, enveloped in love and comfort during her final moments. We come together to honor our beloved Matriarch— she is proceeded in death by her parents, Mercedes and Pete Gomez, her sister's Stefana Jasso, Sylvia Gomez and Ruberto Gomez. 

She was a devoted wife of Mike Rivera sister of Rodrigo Gomez, mother of four, daughter Monica Gutierrez and husband Isai Gutierrez, Jr., son Michael Dominic Rivera, daughter Bianca Rivera and husband Jordan Dupris and daughter Jessica Rivera, grandmother of ten, and great-grandmother of four—whose presence illuminated every space she entered. Her family legacy culminated in the re-establishment of recorded descendants spanning nine generations of the first civilized AmerIndians of Texas since the state’s founding—an ancestral lineage rooted in this land since time immemorial.

A proud second-generation Houstonian born in the East End, Stella graduated from Regan High School and raised her family in Northside Houston throughout her 61-year marriage to her beloved husband, Mike Rivera. Her radiant smile and infectious laughter brought warmth and joy to every endeavor. For over 30 years, she faithfully served as a Lector and Minister of the Eucharist at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.

Her spirit of service extended far beyond the sanctuary. For more than a decade, Stella volunteered with St. Joseph’s Clown Corp, certified under the name “Quigley,” and founded a family side business that brought laughter to children’s birthday parties across Houston. She later dedicated over three decades to serving as a secretary in hospitals and churches, culminating in more than 20 faithful years as Church Secretary at Corpus Christi Catholic Church.

After moving from Houston Heights, Stella and Mike retired with their daughter Jessica to Willis, Texas, where they became co-founding members of the Calpulli Ixtotepec Native American Church of the Americas. As a sixth-generation Native Texan Carrizo elder, Co-Founding Elder, and Waterwoman, Stella carried the healing medicine of the community and helped re-establish its matrilineal spiritual leadership.

We now joyfully celebrate her journey of life here on earth with all of us and the vibrant legacy of faith, family, service, laughter, and love she leaves behind.

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Location:  
Corpus Christi Catholic Church  
9900 Stella Link Rd, Houston, TX 77025

Schedule of Events:  
• Visitation: 10:00 AM  
• Rosary: 10:30 AM  
• Mariachi Funeral Mass: 11:00 AM  
• Reception: 12:00 PM  
Pre-Fontaine Parish Hall  
• Funeral Procession:  
Motorcade will begin promptly at 1:00 PM from Corpus Christi Catholic Church  
• Burial: 2:00 PM  
Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery  
6900 Lawndale Ave, Houston, TX 77023  

We will also have a Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Location: To be announced.

Dress: Vibrant colors or traditional regalia encouraged  
Bring: Your favorite stories and laughter to share  

As we gather for the Celebration of Life, let us honor the joy and love that Stella brought into our lives. Your presence and shared memories will fill this gathering with light, warmth, and the spirit of togetherness that she cherished. Together, we will celebrate her beautiful journey and the lasting impact she had on all of us.
 

Thank you for visiting this memorial web page.  Please sign the online guest book to let the family know you were here thinking of them.