Maria Rivera O'Malley

Maria Rivera O’Malley, who was born on September 20, 1948, in Puerto Rico and passed away on May 14, 2026, in Columbus, Georgia, is remembered with deep love and gratitude for a life marked by devotion to family, faith, service, and quiet strength.

Born into a military family, Maria’s early life was shaped by movement and change, and she experienced many places including Germany before the family settled in the Columbus area. 

Maria became a cherished member of St. Patrick’s Church, where her faith was an important part of her daily life. She was active in church activities and found joy in being of service to her parish community. In addition to her church involvement, Maria worked in translator administration, a role that reflected both her skill and her dedication.

Family was the center of Maria’s life, and she cherished every moment spent with those closest to her. She is survived by her three children, Sean O’Malley and his wife Donna, Seamas O’Malley, and Christina Washington and her husband Lekebie. She also leaves behind five beloved grandchildren, Tyler O’Malley, Christian O’Malley, Alexis O’Malley, Ava Washington, and Adam Washington. Maria is also survived by her sisters, Carmen Land, Rafaela Arias, and Nilda Kaatmen.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Antonio Arias Rodriguez and Mercedes Rivera Nieves, as well as her brother, Juan Antonio and sister Teresa Arias. Their memory remained an important part of her life, and the family ties she inherited helped shape the woman she became.

Visitation will be held at Colonial Funeral Home on Monday, May 18 from 11AM EST - 7PM EST. The Funeral Service will take place at St. Patricks Church on Tuesday, May 19 at 10AM EST. 

Maria will be remembered for her kind heart, her steadfast faith, and the dignity with which she lived her life. She was a woman who met each season of life with grace, and she offered comfort and encouragement to those around her.
 

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