Debra Tardo Rivas

Debra Tardo Rivas peacefully entered eternal rest on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at the age of 67, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was fondly called “Debbie’ by close family and friends. Beloved wife of 41 years to David Rivas who was always proud to call Debbie his wife and felt fortunate to have been her husband; she never let him down; she was the best thing that ever happened to him. Loving and devoted mother of Michael D. Rivas. Daughter of the late Cyrus Anthony Tardo and Rose Mary Andras Tardo. Loving sister of Michael Tardo and Sister-In-Law to Pam Tardo. Aunt of Joshua Tardo. Godmother of Kristen Jones, Joshua Tardo, and Shawn Roddy. Longtime best friend of Kathy Jones and Billy Jones. Debra was born in Thibodaux, Louisiana and was a resident of Harvey, Louisiana. Her forty-five year career as a registered nurse was highlighted with strong work ethic as she provided excellent patient care. She practiced nursing at West Jefferson Medical Center and Touro Infirmary. Her expertise was IV therapy. She became certified and gave presentations to fellow registered nurses to enhance their knowledge. Her achievements made it possible for her to earn the prestigious “Great 100 Nurse” award in 2004. She was extremely proud of her “down the bayou” heritage, where she relished her years spent with her loving parents and brother Michael. She often mentioned how her brother made her laugh and smile. She had a deep love for her mother. In recent years, she enjoyed her limited visits to her dear mother suffering with Alzheimer’s disease in the nursing home. She felt so much satisfaction by helping to beautify her ailing mother with hairstyling and make up to enhance her mental outlook and appearance. Debbie adored her son Michael. Her life revolved around her display of love for him and always focused on his happiness. He was a true blessing to her, and she was always proud of him. Debbie enjoyed spending time with her many friends and family. She loved dining out, going to the movies, traveling and had an avid love for birds and horses. She also loved Zumba and Aerobics. Debbie’s spiritual life encompassed a true devotion to Mary. She would sometimes recite four rosaries a day when bedridden. She admirably offered up much of her pain and anxiety for the poor souls in Purgatory and said she sometimes actually visualized souls being directed to heaven. Debbie was beautiful inside and out. Those who were fortunate enough to know and love her will surely miss her earthly presence. She will be missed but never forgotten. The family would like to extend a sincere appreciation to Heart of Hospice especially her nurses, Sandy Kelly and Morva Lee for their excellent care given to Debra. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to The American Cancer Society, 2605 River Road, New Orleans, LA 70121, 504-469-0021 or log on to www.cancer.org in memory of Debra. Family and friends are invited to attend the Visitation at MOTHE FUNERAL HOME, 2100 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, Louisiana on Saturday, March 19, 2022 from 9AM until 11AM. A Funeral Mass will be held at the funeral home on Saturday at 11AM. Interment will be held in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Gretna, Louisiana. Family and friends may offer condolences at mothefunerals.com