Maria Mercedes Rivera Nichols was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico to Carmen Nichols and Cruz Rivera. She lived in Puerto Rico through her teen years where she gave birth to her first two children. In her early twenties, she made the difficult decision to move to New York, looking for a better life, and leave her two small children with her sister Ana Elsa. Shortly thereafter, they all followed Maria to NY. Maria worked many odd jobs to support her family. One of her big accomplishments was graduating from the Beauty and Cosmetology Academy in the Bronx.

However, what she considered her biggest accomplishment was becoming a foster parent, because this gave her the opportunity to adopt her six children.

Ma' as she was known to all, was an avid dominoes player, who also enjoyed playing bingo, large family gatherings, playing music, dancing and going to church.

She is pre-deceased by her son Jonathan, daughter Caroline, her parents, and her love Georgie.

She is survived by her children Maria Kercado (John), Anthony Martinez (Amarylis), Juan A. Garcia (Ada), Yesenia M. Rivera, A. Erika Rivera, Marc A. Rivera, Aaron J. Rivera, John S. Rivera.

Grandchildren: Anthony Jr-AJ, Brittany, Jayden, Ramona, Eli, Juan Jr., Tyhese, Alyssa.

Great-grandchildren: Anthony III, Catalina, Colton, Jacinda, Arianna, Aniya, Ethan, Amarah, Kaitlyn, Bryson, and Many siblings, nieces and nephews