Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

CYNTHIA (Cindy) HOUSER RIERA (October 18, 1947 – January 24, 2024): Cindy (nicknamed CeCe) Riera was finally called home by her Lord after battling with early onset Alzheimer’s for over 20 years.

Cindy – then Cindy Houser spent most of her early education in the Washington DC area growing up in a Navy family.  She later chose Florida State University (FSU) to pursue her college degree…and football team. It was during her last two years at FSU that she met her future husband, Bob Riera, a midshipman attending the United States Naval Academy.  Although she swore she would never marry midshipman, being too pompous and egotistic, he was eventually able to wear her down and agreed to marry him on a telephonic marriage proposal.  She said she would marry him but only after he asked his mother – the family matriarch and watchkeeper of her only and “chosen” son. Fortunately for him, her future mother-in-law said yes.  They married at the Naval Academy Chapel during the Christmas season in December 1969 and her military career from Navy brat to Navy wife was a long one, originating in the Pentagon as both had Navy fathers, and were first introduced by a military wife. Subsequently, Cindy faithfully followed Bob during his 30 years of service around the country and overseas subjugating her career for him, while running the family and household during his frequent deployments.  

She did indeed have a career that started with her very proud moment as a reporter. They moved to Beeville, Texas where her husband Bob was undergoing flight training. This house had yet to be completed and had no roof, so she truly slept under the stars.  It was here she took her first real job as a reporter for the Beeville Bee-Picayune.  She was provided the following commendation which holds a place of honor in her home in Annapolis – Eagles’ Wings:

“Mrs. Cindy Riera worked in the editorial department of the Beeville Bee-Picayune, where she filled in at a time when our assistant editor and one staff writer left our employ. She soon learned our requirements and became a very fine reporter. She is industrious, talented, and learns quickly. Besides her contributions to our editorial department, Mrs. Riera's personality added to the enjoyment of our working conditions. She is a fine, personable young lady.”

While residing in St. Louis with her husband on duty there and despite being a “very average” student at FSU, she was able to convince Washington University Admissions to not only admit her in the Master of Education program, but to also give her a full scholarship.  She rewarded their faith in her by graduating as that year’s class Valedictorian.  

With her teaching degree she taught Christian school classes from 1st to 5th grade and during that time she positively influenced and motivated countless young children who, with their parents, often took time to write or visit in person to thank her for her influence in their lives. During her teaching career she was often referred to as Barnabas who was a Christian missionary known widely as an “Encourager.” After 30 years, she retired and continued to focus on her passion of gardening and flower arranging. 

She spent a lot of her remaining years building, designing and decorating the family home – Eagles’ Wings. It truly is a place where many find rest and get a sense of the whimsical and fun person Cindy was.

Cindy was married for 54 years to the love of her life, Bob Riera, and is survived by Shelly Riera (daughter), Todd Giadrosich (future son-in-law), Scott Riera (son), Jessica Riera (daughter-in-law) and Gayle Fogleman and Francie Washington (sisters). 

Her husband Bob always said that Cindy faithfully and abundantly fulfilled her marriage vow “for better or worse,” while he tried to fulfill his vow “in sickness and in health.” He also maintains that God honored his two prayers: “That Cindy would never forget who he was, and that he would live at least one day longer to see her home.” God honored both of those prayers.  She loved family so much, and asked us to call her TBIWW (The Best Mom In the Whole World). Her energy and laughter and fuzz wooly socks sliding across the floor on any given day made people not just seek her out for her laughter, but also her empathy, presence and intuitive counsel.  

Cindy has definitely become one of God’s musical angels and is celebrating (and singing loudly) with Him today where there are no more sorrows, tears or sickness.  It is the promise made to all who declare that Jesus is Lord, and believe in their hearts that God raised him from the dead.

Cindy’s Celebration of Life service will be held sometime this summer when her favorite flowers are in bloom.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the <a href="https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=56906&56906.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T&_gl=1*tk9n5p*_ga*MTU3NDU2NDQ5MC4xNzA2MjAxMDI4*_ga_QSFTKCEH7C*MTcwNjIwMTAyOC4xLjAuMTcwNjIwMTAyOC42MC4wLjA.*_ga_9JTEWVX24V*MTcwNjIwMTAyOC4xLjAuMTcwNjIwMTAyOC42MC4wLjA.">Alzheimer’s Association</a>

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

Please take a moment to leave a condolence for the family by using the Memories link on the left side of this page.

Cynthia Houser Riera

Cynthia Houser Riera

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