Lily Rivera Barragan

Celebrating the Life of

LILY RIVERA BARRAGAN

August 4, 1930 – May 24, 2026

A Beautiful Beginning

On the beautiful day of August 4, 1930, Esther and Frank Rivera welcomed Lily Rivera Barragan into the world. Raised in East Los Angeles as one of ten siblings, Lily grew into a beautiful, loving, nurturing, and strong-willed woman—truly one of a kind. Words simply cannot capture the incredibly amazing person she became.

A Legacy of Love

Lily’s life was rich with family. She married Rico Mendoza, and later began a beautiful new chapter when she married Pete Barragan and became Lily Rivera Barragan. A deeply devoted matriarch, she raised seven children and was blessed with generations of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved beyond measure.

A Life of Joy & Hard Work

Always a provider, Lily was a hardworking entrepreneur and a dedicated face in her community—from owning her own small restaurant and bartending to serving as a school crossing guard.

She was an extraordinary cook and baker, though she always loved dining at her favorite restaurant, El Sombrero. She found immense joy in crocheting, camping in Yosemite, and traveling to Hawaii and Las Vegas. She loved the holidays, hosting countless vibrant family celebrations at her home in El Monte.

Her Brave Journey

In March 2026, Lily suffered a stroke. She fought a long, courageous battle, surrounded by the profound love of her family. She found true peace at home in Highland, where she had resided since triumphantly overcoming Covid in 2022.

Forever in Our Hearts

On May 24, 2026, our world became a little dimmer. We will forever remember Lily standing tall, dancing, and looking effortlessly classy with her hair and nails beautifully done. Unwavering in her faith in God, she will live on in our hearts as our forever guardian angel...

Somewhere over the rainbow 🌈