Ofelia Delgado Rivas

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ofelia Delgado Rivas, 92, of Brownsville, TX who passed away on August 7, 2025 in Harlingen, TX. Ofelia was a strong and independent woman who lived a life filled with love, devotion, caring, and kindness. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and neighbor.

Ofelia was born in Las Rusias, Matamoros, Mexico, and moved to Brownsville as a child, where she spent the rest of her life. A devoted mother and grandmother, she poured love into every relationship she held dear. She treasured every card, letter, note, and photo that kept her connected to her family’s adventures and milestones; each one a piece of the life she so deeply valued.

A consummate learner, Ofelia read widely and embraced new knowledge with curiosity and joy. She loved learning about history, nature, faraway places, politics, and how to grow the best flowers. Though she rarely traveled, aside from cherished trips to California, Massachusetts, and a once in a lifetime trip to Malaysia, she journeyed far in her imagination and dreams, traveling through books, magazines, and conversations that brought the world to her doorstep. Ofelia found beauty in the simplest things: a child’s laughter, a flowering plant, a song on the radio, or a pretty piece of cloth or dishware. Her green thumb transformed her garden into a blooming sanctuary where hummingbirds and butterflies regularly visited. She had a strong, unwavering faith in God that shaped her life and actions. She spoke about her beliefs with sincerity, sharing her faith through kindness, steadiness, and compassion. She was always willing to offer thoughtful conversation, gentle wisdom, and a listening ear. Her cooking was legendary, her potato salad unforgettable, and she made every meal a feast. She offered countless acts of kindness without expectations. She was a dreamer, a giver, a lover of life’s little joys, and she made the world a more beautiful place just by being in it. To know her was to feel seen, cared for, and welcomed. Her legacy lives on in every flower that blooms, every bird that sings, every quiet act of kindness, and every story shared over a good meal and a warm cup of coffee.

Ofelia is preceded in death by her parents, Gabino Rivas and Flora Delgado, her brothers, Federico, Dario, Victor and Carlos Rivas (all of California) and sisters, Esperanza Cortez (Mexico), Reinalda Sias (California), and Concepcion Perez (Texas). She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Rene Barrón and second husband, Fidencio Paz. She is survived by her three children; Nelda Barrón (Courtney), Velma Aleman, and Jose Carlos Paz (Cecilia); six grandchildren Roberto (Pedro) Barrón, Tatiana Barrón, Antonio Barrón, Yessenia Barrón, Brianna Aleman Perez (Joshua), and Bianca Paz Cisneros (Ramon); and one great granddaughter, Sunny Cisneros. She is also survived by her brother, Jose Rivas and sister, Maria Elena Castro and countless nieces and nephews, many of whom considered her their “second” mother. She also leaves a circle of friends and neighbors who shared their daily lives with one another offering companionship, food, and friendship.

Her legacy lives on in the lives of all of those who knew her and loved her.

There will be no funeral or memorial service, as per her wishes.