Celeste Rivera of Brockton passed away Sunday night, January 13th 2013, at a good old age yet still too soon. With her loved ones around her, she died in Brockton Hospital. She leaves behind 3 grateful children, 4 loving grandsons and a multitude of friends, near and far, that marveled at her life and accomplishments. They also all felt her larger than life spirit of generosity and care, her sense of humor and strength of character.
Nieves Celeste Mercedes Blanco Nater was born on August 5th, 1925. She was the first and eventually, the only child of Joaquin Blanco Hidalgo and Felisa Nater Martinez. By all accounts, she was the joy and pride of her doting, beautiful father. A brief presence in her life, he was for her the perfect measure of a man, husband and father, against whom no man was ever good enough. Joaquin’s death as well as that of baby brother, Cuquinin, left Felisa and Celeste lifelong companions. As close and constant as any mother and daughter have ever been, they came to New York City, where they spent the good part of the next 30 years. Her lifelong devotion to knowledge and her many talents, allowed her every opportunity to meet people and learn about them and their experiences. Her first marriage to husband, Hiram Malaret produced her first son Tony. Hiram Antonio Malaret would become and remain the ultimate loving pride of her mother’s and her life. A confirmed optimist, she married a second time and gave birth to her second son, Willie. Her third and last marriage was to Leandro Rivera, with whom she had 2 daughters, Luz Celeste and Claudia Mercedes.
Overcoming life’s reversals and pursuing her passions, Celeste reinvented herself every time and moved forward to provide for her children and mother. With great ease and flair she earned a living as a clerk, a book keeper, an accountant, news reporter, writer/staffer, travel agent, rum promoter, Peace Corps staffer, census taker, IRA tax representative, and God knows how many others we’ve forgotten. In the process, she became an impeccable seamstress, a versatile artist, a gifted dancer, a baker, furniture builder, decorator, and on and on… An insatiable reader, she loved knowledge and languages, imparting this passion to her children. She boasted often her ability to complete the New York Times crossword puzzle in less than five minutes; a feat she demonstrated often whenever challenged. She also was very proud of having learned French over one summer from speaking with a friend. An exciting mother and teacher, she was always involved in her children’s education. She was hands-on with everything from homework and projects to extracurricular activities. Advocating for new schools in our community, volunteering in the schools, creating an Action Committee for further improvement of the schools in Levittown, she was always involved, always willing. She showed all her children the importance of living a good, responsible and joyful life by being in it, not just spectating. We enjoyed her eccentricities, learning to appreciate them so much more as we grew older, and in many ways wiser just for being her children.
Her grandsons all had the blessing of having her in their lives without fail. She has been the supportive and doting Tata, to Josue, Carlos, Marcos and Hichame.
In her last few years, with her memories fading and energies diminishing, she still managed to charm many friends and acquaintances with her quirky habits and sweet demeanor. She also remained a strong, and at times stubborn, independent spirit. A few of these people have become a new branch of her family, all of whom feel deeply the sorrow of her passing. She fell in love with Monin and Victor, and grew to depend on their loving care every day. She was grateful for their tenacity in maintaining her health and quality of life. Our gratitude is endless for their labor of pure love.
Celeste, or Tata as we all called her in the end, gave Jaime and I, the opportunity to take care of her and enjoy her last days. Mercedes and Victoria became the loving granddaughters she always wanted. And Hichame was her most fearless protector; he has been the rock who’s kept me sane and honest. We can only hope that she felt that loving devotion that we all tried to convey every day. We all love her and miss her deeply, and we will all remember…
Visiting hours will be held in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street (Rte 123) Brockton Friday January 18, from 2-5pm with a funeral service at 4pm.