Mrs. Catalina (Bonilla) Rivera Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

UTICA – Mrs. Catalina (Bonilla) Rivera, age 92, peacefully went home into the arms of the Lord on Sunday, June 26, 2022, with those she loved most in her heart. Catalina was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, on April 30, 1930, to the late Gavino Bonilla and Angela (Alicea) Bonilla. Catalina came to the Utica area in 1959 once her husband had found work. She was also welcomed by a sister who resided here. In Puerto Rico on August 26, 1953, she married Fabian A. Rivera, who passed away May 25, 1985. Catalina worked for many years in the Laundry Department at the Abelove Linen Co., working diligently. She would walk to work daily with dedication and determination, and she was blessed to form many close friendships during her employment which concluded in 1990. A very generous woman, Catalina was known to open up her home and her heart to families visiting from Puerto Rico. She was a woman of great hospitality, which was especially highlighted by her love of cooking. Catalina was famous for her red rice and beans! Moreover, she loved children—they warmed her heart and ignited sunshine in her smile. It didn’t matter if it were her children or those Catalina had promised to look after; she fed and cared for all of them well. Catalina kept a watchful eye over her household, holding a prayerful heart for those she loved. Her quiet nature was the type to never know jealousy or negativity. She was always grateful for what she had, and she never wanted for anything more than the Lord sent her way. Truly, she was very humble and bore a clean heart. Those who stepped foot in her home felt the love and contentment that comes with being selflessly served. A woman with practical and simple desires, Catalina’s greatest life accomplishments were the efforts she poured into taking care of loved ones and she found joy in being around her family. She knew the power that made a difference in other’s lives which came from loving Jesus. When one looked in Catalina’s eyes, he or she could see the Lord’s love shining through. Her belief was so great that it flooded every part of her soul. It would be very hard to find a woman of this great faith and love again. Catalina was a devoted member of the Missionary Church of Christ on Albany Street. Her life revolved around her church family, and she dearly loved to volunteer her efforts to the community there. In accord with her humble nature, Catalina would often clean the church. She was active in taking opportunities with other parishioners to attend conferences at which she could worship. Moreover, she visited shut-ins, bringing them joy and the presence of the Lord, always making sure to pray for those in need. Catalina is survived by her children and their loves, Juanita and Diego Castro, Jaime Rivera and Kimberly West, Gilbert Bonilla, Fabian, Jr. and Charlene Rivera, Frederick Rivera, and Raymond and Charlene Rivera. She will live on in the hearts of her grandchildren, Steve Castro, and Shari and Ryan Castro Wheeler; Jaime and Shana Thompson, Jermaine Gary and Jessica Pulluaim; Joseph Brown, Reinita Rivera and Denise Savage, Fabian Rivera III; Amanda and Dan Kealy, Matthew Rivera (and mother Marline Rivera/Vargas); Alyssa Rivera and her husband Justin Gestrich, Danielle and Nathan Jones, and Krysten and Billy Baker. Catalina was also blessed with many great-grandchildren, including Tiara Castro, Kaiya, and Xander Thompson, Ji’zaya, and Jermaine Gary, Caprice Anderson, QueVonn, and Madison Rivera, Victor Rivera, Brayden, Jayden, and Noah Baker; and her great-great grandchildren, Max, and Luca Canales. She will be fondly remembered by her sister Hilda Chaparro. Catalina was predeceased by her siblings, Ramona Bonilla, Providencia Bonilla, Julio Bonilla, Pedro Bonilla, and Josefa Bonilla. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins in Utica and in Puerto Rico. Catalina had a blessed relationship with her pastor, Antonia Sanchez, Doris, and Damaris. The family would like to express their gratitude to the Activities Director at the Presbyterian Home of CNY, Sue Peck, and her staff, and the Seneca 3 Unit. A special note of appreciation to Catalina’s granddaughter Alyssa, who has been so helpful in looking after the care and wellbeing of her Abuela. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. followed by Catalina’s Funeral Service and Celebration of Life which will commence at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mrs. Catalina (Bonilla) Rivera

April 30, 1930 - June 26, 2022