On Friday, September 18, 2026, while surrounded by family, Maria Flores Rivera finished her battle with cancer. She was 75 years old.

Maria was born Maria Flores Garcia on December 8, 1950, in New York City, to Inocencio Monserratte Flores and Sarah Estelle Garcia Flores. As the eldest of her siblings, she learned early the value of hard work, spirituality, and family.

She loved her family deeply. In time that family grew to include her four brothers, Sandy, Edgar, Sidney, and Elmer, and her two sisters, Giselle and Martita. She went on to have children of her own whom she cherished — Sarita, Danny, Deanna, and Eric.

On July 12, 1980, at the Divine Love Assembly in Caguas, Puerto Rico, Maria was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, a decision that shaped the course of her life from that day forward.

On January 21, 1995, she married the love of her life and best friend, Rafael Rivera. In Maria’s mind and heart, on that day she was blessed with more children – including Rafael Jr and Neysa.

Maria is survived by her father, Inocencio Monserrate Flores; her siblings, Sandy, Sidney, and Martita; her children, Sarita, Deanna, Eric, Rafael Jr., and Neysa; and her beloved grandchildren, Aliza, Natanael, Jonathan, Arianna, Daniela, Caleb, Jeremiah, Bruno, Savion, Josiah, Ximena, and Mirella. She also leaves behind many others she held especially dear: Maximo Laluz, Sara Freedom and family, Annette and Isabella Romero, Melissa and Brunito Laluz, JoEllen Rivera, and many more.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rafael; her mother, Sarah; her siblings Edgar, Elmer, and Giselle; her son, Danny; and her grandchildren Cristian and Isaiah.

Maria’s life was one of unwavering faith, devotion to her family, and love for all who knew her. Her memory will be treasured by everyone whose life she touched.