Maria Elena Rioja, age 87, of Oshkosh, died Tuesday evening, October 31, 2006 at Mercy Medical Center. She was born on July 30, 1919 in Pacasmayo, Peru, to Flavio and Maria (Blasa) Nomberto. Maria married Cesar Rioja on May 2, 1940 in Pacasmayo, Peru and he preceded her in death in 1999.


Maria Elena was a very sweet and charming woman who had a great sense of humor. She had many hobbies and talents, some of which are, crocheting, knitting, cake decorating, flower gardening, reciting of poetry, and performing at schools and theatres. Family members remember many games of cards during their visits with Maria Elena.


Survivors include her children: Carlos (Blanca) Rioja, Maria Rita (Francisco) Burgos, Maria Elena (Cesar) Segura, Cesar Augusto (Leonor) Rioja, Jose Carlos (Delia) Rioja, and Maria Cristina Rioja; grandchildren: Rick (Jenny) Rioja, Patty (Vince) Maine, Gustavo (Sandra) Burgos, Angelica (Bill) Glatz, Vicente Burgos, Anahi Burgos, Sandra (Darr) Maxwell, Alfredo Segura, Marianella Rioja, Silvia Rioja, Valeria Rioja, Monica Teresa Rioja; great-grandchildren: Miranda, Bradley, Vince, Alexandra, Maria Fernanda, Gustavo, Stephany, and an expected baby; two brothers, Guillermo and Ernesto Nomberto. Preceding Maria Elena in death is her husband, infant son, Cesar Augusto Rioja, granddaughter, Veronica, three brothers, and one sister.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 4, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1020 West 6th Ave., with Reverend Thomas Reynebeau officiating. Inurnment will take place in Maria Elena's native Peru.
Condolences may also be given online at www.seefeldfuneral.com


Seefeld Funeral and
Cremation Services
(920) 236-7750