Clemencia Rivera

Clemencia Rivera passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, April 26, 2026, at the age of 66, surrounded by the love of her family.

Clemencia lived a life defined by devotion, resilience, and quiet determination. More than 40 years ago, she immigrated to the United States with a vision for a better future. Through unwavering hard work as an aesthetician, she built a beautiful life rooted in purpose and sacrifice—ensuring her two children received an education from preschool through college, free of debt. This was not only her goal, but one of her proudest accomplishments.

She found great joy in life’s celebrations. Clemencia loved to dress beautifully for life’s special moments, finding happiness in celebrating each occasion with style and pride. She especially treasured hosting holidays and birthdays, creating moments that brought her family together. The home she created in Harvey became a gathering place filled with warmth, laughter, and lasting memories—often alongside her beloved sister, Luz-Elena (may she rest in peace as well).

Clemencia also had a passion for travel and discovery. She treasured the experiences of exploring the world with her children and family, eager to share with them the beauty of different cultures. She kept mementos of these journeys, including a collection of currency from the countries they visited—small tokens of a life lived with curiosity and wonder.

A proud New Orleanian and longtime resident of Harvey, Clemencia was born in March 1960 in Manizales, Colombia, to Luis Fabio Rivera and Luz-Dary Maria Freeman.

She is lovingly remembered by her parents, Luis and Maria; her sisters, Lida Rothschild, Gloria Rivera, and Luz Maria Freeman; her son, Erik Rivera, and daughter-in-law, Madison Rivera; her daughter, Maria Koch, and son-in-law, Søren Koch; and her cherished grandchildren, Ella Rivera and Phillip Koch, and nephews Alexander Rothschild, Christopher Rothschild, Sebastian Rothschild, and Michael Rothschild as well as nieces Victoria Ragusa, Kelsey Ragusa, and Caroline Ragusa.

Clemencia’s legacy lives on in the family she held so close and, in the values she instilled—love, perseverance, and the importance of always staying connected.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Visitation at MOTHE FUNERAL HOME, 2100 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, Louisiana on Friday, May 8, 2026, beginning at 9AM until 11AM. A Memorial Mass will be held at the funeral home on Friday at 11AM. Memorial Interment will be held in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 1225 Whitney Avenue, Gretna, Louisiana. The family invites you to share thoughts, fond memories and condolences online at mothefunerals.com.