Elvira Barua Rivera - Obituary

LVIRA BARUA RIVERA passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025, All Soul’s Day. Before her passing, she was able to hear all the people that her light touched. Elvira was a quiet, yet fierce force in this world, both at work and at home, and in circles of friends she chose to be part of her life. Elvira was born on March 16, 1961 in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Her parents were Servillano Prado Barua and Rosita Bugarin Barua, and her older siblings are Marilyn, Romeo, and Herminia. Her household fostered an environment filled with love, faith, resilience and the values that made her the woman we had the greatest blessing to know. She began her education at Laoag Central Elementary School and continued to Ilocos Norte National High School. Elvira followed her calling to be a nurse at the University of the East and the St. Luke’s College of Nursing of Trinity University. After earning her nursing license, her compassionate heart and “healing hands” propelled her to serve at the Ilocos Norte Provincial Hospital helping countless patients from all walks of life. In 1989, Elvira began a new chapter when she moved to Maryland and joined the staff at what was then the DC General Hospital. Her journey as a nurse continued at the VA Medical Center in Washington D.C. where she worked with dedication and compassion for over two decades. Her colleagues admired her work ethic, humility, generosity, and steady kindness – qualities that defined her life as a mother, sister, friend, colleague and health professional. In 1995, Elvira married Richard Rivera, the love of her life. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, courage and care. She was a fiercely devoted mother to her two daughters, Megan and Kim, who were the pride and joy of her life. In 2023, she welcomed her grandson, Altheo, who lit up her world. Elvira loved to stay busy – she could never sit still for long. Even if she were just sitting, she would have something in her hands, keeping her busy. She found happiness in the simple things that fed the soul and the heart: baking desserts for her family and friends, taking care of her home, and enjoying the company of her beloved dogs, Akira and Bella. She wasn’t one for big crowds, but for the intimate communions with family and close friends. She was joyful, funny, and full of warmth. She had a special way of showing love – not through grand gestures, but through small acts of caring that made others feel seen and valued. Whether it was a home-cooked treat, a helping hand, or a quiet presence when someone needed comfort, Elvira’s love was constant, patient and unconditional. Her family and friends will remember her as a serene light in their lives – someone who made every day brighter and more peaceful just by her being there. She left this world but her kindness, gentle yet brave spirit, and love will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her and many more whose lives she touched. Elvira is survived by her husband, Richard T. Rivera; her two daughters, Megan B. Rivera of New Rochelle, NY and Naomi Kim B. Rivera of Oxon Hill, MD; and her grandson, Altheo D. Rivera-DeVivo. Relatives and friends are invited to gather for Elvira's Life Celebration on Thursday, November 13, 2025 from 2 P.M. until 8 P.M. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill MD 20745. Funeral mass will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025 at 10 A.M. at St. Mary's of Piscataway Catholic Church, 13405 Piscataway Road, Clinton, MD 20735.