Maria Penarivera

Maria Esther Peña Rivera, 80, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025, at Flowers Hospital, surrounded by her loved ones.

Maria Esther was born on June 1, 1945, in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, to Maria Eugenia Rivera and Ramon Peña. She was the eldest of eleven children and is survived by her beloved sisters, Carmen Milagros Peña Rivera and Luz Delia Peña Rivera.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Maria Esther devoted her life to her family and was a dedicated hard worker. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Daisy Sarden, and is survived by her son, Albert Luis Sarden.

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. Her surviving grandchildren from her daughter, who were also her adoptive children, are Daisy Peña Rivera, Jasmin Eileen Peña Rivera, Jose Rafael Peña Rivera, and Leonardo Peña Rivera.

She is also lovingly remembered by her additional grandchildren from her son: Xylena Lee Sarden (Ruiz), Aaron Albert Sarden, Trinity Sarden, Nicholas Sarden, and Daniella Celia Sarden.

Maria Esther’s great-grandchildren—Kiaraliz Cabrera Peña, Elani Lee Roman, and Lukas Lee Ryder Ruiz—brought her immense joy and pride.

Maria Esther will be remembered for her warmth, strength, and unconditional love. Her faith, compassion, and dedication to her family touched the lives of all who knew her. She was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.

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