In Loving Memory of

Gundelina N. Rivo

“Nena”

March 28, 1945 – August 27, 2026

Gundelina N. Rivo, lovingly known as “Nena,” passed away peacefully at her home in Long Beach, California, on August 27, 2026, at the age of 81.

Born on March 28, 1945, in Cayungnan, Agno, Pangasinan, Philippines, Gundelina was the beloved daughter of Modesto Navata and Juanita Navata. She grew up in Agno, Pangasinan, and later lived in Ilocos Sur and Olongapo City before making Long Beach, California, her home.

Nena earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Pangasinan in the Philippines. She devoted 40 years to teaching, sharing her patience, compassion, and love of learning with countless students. She retired from teaching in 2005. One of her greatest sources of pride was seeing each of her children earn a bachelor’s degree. This achievement reflected the importance she placed on education, hard work, and perseverance.

On May 25, 1967, Nena married Rodrigo B. Rivo in San Fabian, Pangasinan. They shared 37 years of marriage before Rodrigo’s passing on October 13, 2004. In 2005, she moved to the United States through a family petition by her brother and began a new chapter of her life in Long Beach. She also worked as a direct support professional for 15 years, extending the same compassion and dedication she showed throughout her life.

Above all, Nena was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, relative, and friend. She was loving, strong, funny, gentle, sweet, determined, giving, and kind. Family, faith, education, hard work, hospitality, and tradition were at the heart of her life. She found joy in gardening and reading, and she especially loved orchids and roses.

Her family will always remember the happiness of simply being together with her: the open conversations, the warmth of her presence, and the way she made everyone feel safe, welcome, encouraged, heard, supported, and deeply loved. Her grandson will especially remember her support and love throughout his life.

Nena was a faithful member of St. Lucy’s Catholic Church.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rodrigo B. Rivo; her parents, Modesto and Juanita Navata; and her brothers, Dominador Navata, Conrado Navata, and Ruben Navata.

Her children survive her: Hubert Rivo, Janette Rivo, and Judith Rivo; her grandson, Humar Rivo; and many loving relatives and friends whose lives were touched by her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love.

Her children and family will carry forward the lessons she taught through her example: to work hard, value education, care for others, remain strong through life’s challenges, and love without conditions.

Mom, thank you for everything: for a love that never asked for anything in return, for sacrifices too countless to measure, and for the endless care you always gave.

Thank you for being our safest home—the place we could always return to, where we could pour out our hearts and know that we were loved.

We miss you more than words can say, and we will carry your love and lessons in our hearts every single day. We love you.

Nena’s loving spirit, gentle heart, and steadfast devotion to her family will be deeply missed and forever remembered.