Sylvia Riner

Sylvia Riner passed away on April 8, 2024, just 4 months from her 88th birthday. Born to parents Simplicio Leyba and Delfina Sanchez on August 8, 1936, in Cerrillos, New Mexico.

She is survived by her children, Ray Lopez, Esther Lopez and spouse, David James Pena, Gloria Lopez, and Miguel Lopez; her siblings, Jerry Rascon, Johnny Rascon, Raymond Rascon, Salvador Leyba, Clara Valencia and spouse, Jimmy, Josie Rivera and spouse, Lee, Marino Leyba and Marcella Romero.

She had 11 grandchildren, Monica, Michael, Sarah, Marc, Marisa, Gabriel, Adán, Enrique, Antonio, Aliyah and David; 17 great grandchildren, Mikaela, Monike, Maya, D’Anna, Mireya, Milla, Nicholas, Dominic, Jaelyn, Briaja, Jazzlene, Selena, Steelayah, Diamonique, Passionette, Lola and Lourdes and four great great grandchildren, Jordan, Jaiden, Kai and Amaryllis..

She also loved dearly all of her family from her previous marriage to Manuel “Tony” Lopez which included his siblings, Emilio Lopez, George Lopez, Mabel Lopez, Ernie Lopez, Carmen Lopez, Margarito Lopez, Richard Lopez, Paul Lopez, Lucy Gallegos, Barbara Banuelos, Gloria Lopez and all of their spouses, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Sylvia was born in Cerrillos, NM and lived in the southern Los Angeles area for several years. She moved back to New Mexico and lived in Albuquerque where she met Tony Lopez and was married for 26 years where they raised their four children until they divorced. She later married Phil Riner and was married 30 years. Though the love of her life was always Tony and they remained close. 

Our mom was one of the strongest, most amazing women we know. She was feisty, silly, goofy, flirty, enjoyed conversation with anyone, loved the casinos and a good party. She enjoyed watching football, basketball and her favorite teams were the Lakers and the Golden State Warriors. She also watched baseball and her favorite team was the St. Louis Cardinals. She considered all of our friends as her family and loved them all. She never left the house unless she was all put together, dressed up, hair done, jewelry on, makeup on and most importantly lipstick on. Her favorite hobby was quilting, and she made everyone she could a quilt. It was her way of showing she loved you. Once you had a quilt made by her, it was hard to sleep without one. She enjoyed every day, and thanked God for each day.  She loved all of her children, grandchildren , great grandchildren and great great grandchildren very much. 

Our mom fought cancer for many years and NEVER gave up. Mom now you are free from pain. We will miss you, but we know you are watching over all of us. 

We love you Mom.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 26, 2024; Visitation at 9:30 AM, followed by a Rosary at 10:00 AM and a Mass at 10:30 AM at Strong-Thorne Mortuary, 1100 Coal Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106.
The services will then be followed by a Memorial Reception; 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM at the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge, 2121 Edith Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102.