Noemi Rivera

On December 1, 1940, in New York City, Pedro Marquez and Adelaida Colon had their sixth child, she would be one of twelve. She was named Noemi. With three sisters and eight brothers they shared a blessed and rewarding home in Spanish Harlem.

From a very young age, Noemi and her mother were involved in the life of the church. She committed her life to her Savior Jesus Christ as a teen and never strayed from her commitment.

After graduation from Washington Irving High School, she immediately started her career as a secretary for Local 3, the Electricians union. Over the years she worked for Catholic Charities of New York, the Ulster County Board of Cooperative Educational Services in New Paltz, and at home as a commercial artist for Plenum Publishers. Her most rewarding job of course was taking care of her children and her husband.

In 1958 she met John Rivera, and after a wonderful courtship they were married in 1963.  Four children were born to them. Three survived but the first son lived just one day. Wanting to provide a healthier and safer place to rear their family, they moved to New Paltz N,Y. in 1971.

It was in New Paltz where the family began worshipping at the Church of the Nazarene, and still attend the Nazarene church in Wilmington. After 35 years of living in New York, upon reaching John’s retirement, a decision was made to move to Leland, N.C.

After 60 wonderful years of marriage, Noemi has made her final move to join those who had gone before to be with Jesus our Lord. She fulfilled all her wedding vows, as well as those she had made to her Lord. She leaves behind her three children, eight grandchildren and far too numerous to mention family and friends. She has finished her race and kept the Faith.

A Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 PM on Saturday, August 19, at Church of the Nazarene, 5654 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412.

Please leave condolences for the family on the Tribute Wall at www.wilmingtoncares.com