Christine Aguilar Rivera was born on February 4, 1951, in Deming, New Mexico. She was born to Ramona Ramos and Juan Aguilar and when God made her, he said “Ta-Da!” Christine resided in Deming until she was 13 years old, and her family moved to sunny Southern California. Christine attended Killingsworth Junior High in Hawaiian Gardens, CA, and graduated from Artesia High School in Lakewood, CA in 1970. Christine was a proud Chicana during the time of Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, and La Causa, “a movement to organize Mexican American farm workers.” She participated in the planned walkout of Mexican American high-school students in Los Angeles, protesting inequality in the public education system in March 1968. Christine was an excellent student and attended Cerritos Junior College, with a major in Chicano Studies. Si, se puede!
Christine married Richard Paul Rivera on December 1, 1973, on a rainy day in Artesia, CA. She believed that rain on your wedding day was good luck. On October 3, 1975, they were blessed with their daughter, Tanya Christine Rivera. Christine referred to Tanya as a Chingona, “a mujer who is intelligent, fearless, and can get things done.” Nine years later, another blessing was bestowed on them when Armando (Mondo) Richard Rivera was born on December 15, 1984. Lifelong best friends were created that year. Christine loved her children and was always the first person to like and comment on their social media posts. She was also the first to tell them when they were getting out of line.
In 1987, Leslie McGill (Kujawski), a previous Head Start kid reentered Christine’s life. Over the next six years, Leslie worked in the Killingsworth office with her, and they became very close. Leslie came from a home without much parental support, and she became a Rivera by invitation. Leslie spent many weekends at the Rivera house and has been part of the family ever since. Christine lovingly referred to Leslie as her “white daughter” which Leslie enjoyed. When Leslie had work events, including a holiday party at the Vice President of America’s residence, Christine was included as one of her parents. Leslie honored Christine as the mother of the bride at her wedding to John Kujawski in 2014 and she is known to Leslie’s children, Mason, and Samantha, as Grandma Christine.
Christine has two grandsons, Jack Richard West, born on September 26, 1998, and Jason (JayJay) Robert West, born on January 10, 2001. These boys were the apples of her eye. Christine spoiled them rotten every opportunity that she had, and they loved every moment of it. She did not miss a baseball game, band performance, or any other special event they had. She was there whenever they needed something at school that they left at home. She loved to hear them sing especially What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong.
In 2022, Christine and Richard traveled to Hawaii together to celebrate the wedding of Mondo and his beautiful wife, Samantha Sarah Rivera. It was a wonderful celebration that created lifelong memories for her family. She was so happy to see Mondo settle down and knew that Samantha was the perfect person to complete the family.
Christine worked in office administration throughout her career. She worked for Head Start from 1974 - 1986. She then worked at Killingsworth Junior High as the Principal’s Secretary from 1987 until her retirement in 2007. She enjoyed getting to see her Head Start kids later as Junior High Students, followed by the children of those kids. Throughout her life, Christine had a servant's heart. While she lived in CA, she volunteered at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall. Following the death of her father in 1974, her younger brothers fell into the juvenile detention system by way of gang activities. Volunteering was a way for her to help support others in “the system” in hopes of making a difference in their lives. She cared so deeply. Christine also volunteered at Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center, following the admittance of one of her former students in 1992. She was invested in being a part of the solution and offered support where she could. Prior students remember Christine as a loving and supportive woman who never judged them and always rooted for them. Remember, they were in the principal’s office, so they were not usually there for good deeds.
Upon her retirement, Christine and her family moved to the greater Austin, TX area. While in Texas, Christine began working as a crossing guard for the elementary school in the Leander School District. She worked for fun and being surrounded by the neighborhood kiddos brought her so much joy. The kids loved her too.
In 2015, Christine and Rick retired again and moved to Deming, New Mexico, her hometown. They created a life that centered around service and their beloved church. Christine volunteered at The Well Food Pantry and was part of the board at Deming First Assembly of God. She loved this church, and the people there brought her so much joy. Returning to Deming was a blessing for both Christine and Rick. They loved their friends and reconnected with family members. Christine’s calendar was filled like it never was before. She participated in the Red Hat Society, Candle Sisters, TOPS club, church women’s groups, luncheons, Taco Tuesdays, and was supportive of her husband’s band gigs around the town.
Rick and Christine began dating in April 1973 and enjoyed just over 50 years together. They have a relationship that is admired by all. They complimented, respected, honored, and cherished each other every day of their lives. They created a strong family unit who are always there to support and love each other.
Christine was excited to travel to Spain at the end of September with her husband and two daughters. She passed away due to complications from COVID on September 5, 2023, at the age of 72, surrounded by her loving family. She made Rick promise to take the trip with Tanya and Leslie and said, “don’t shatter my dream trip.” So, the trip will take place in April to keep the promise made.
Christine is survived by her sole remaining sibling, Mary Lou Valenzuela; her husband Rick; children Tanya, Mondo, Samantha, and Leslie, and grandchildren Jack, JayJay, Mason, and Samantha.
A Celebration of Life service is scheduled this Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 3 o’clock in the afternoon at Deming First Assembly of God church (D1) with Pastor David Duffy officiating. Cremation has been entrusted to Baca’s Mimbres Crematory.
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