Aurora Rivas Burciaga, age 81, of Adrian, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at ProMedica Toledo Hospital. She was born in Kingsville, TX on October 25, 1943, the middle of three daughters of the late Jesus and Margarita (Alegria) Rivas.
Aurora lived her formative years in Texas. It was at a dance in Kingsville that she met Adrian native Augustine Cantu Burciaga, who was stationed at a Naval base there. It was love at first sight for them both, and they were united in marriage three months later on November 25, 1966.
Remembered for her fierce presence and toughness, she was also very tender-hearted, and was a loving and caring mother to her seven children whom she raised while she took care of the home. With her genuine ways, you always knew where she stood, and she proudly wore her heart on her sleeve.
Besides her family, her passion in life was dancing, and she truly lived to dance. She enjoyed traveling to Texas throughout the years to visit her family, and she volunteered to host every holiday or family gathering at her home. In recent years she enjoyed trying her luck at the occasional BINGO game or at a visit to a nearby casino.
Surviving in addition to her husband of over 58 years, Augustine, are six children, Maria Lisa Garcia of Adrian, Ismael Ramirez of San Antonio, TX, Xavier (Janie) Burciaga of Schertz, TX, Omar (Christina) Burciaga of Converse, TX, Saul Burciaga of Louisville, KY, and Noelia Burciaga (Andrew McCutchan) of Adrian; her two sisters, Alicia Acuna of Kingsville, TX and Alma Valdez of Adrian; 22 grandchildren, Jesse, Fredo, Roel, Mario, Gabe, AJ, Adrian, John, Elianna, Josiah, Simon, Gabriella, Ezequiel, Jacob, Justin, Matthew, Kayleen, Jaden, Alexis, Ashley, Maggie, and Gracie; and 21 great-grandchildren.
Aurora was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Augie Burciaga.
The family will receive friends for a visitation at the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home in Adrian on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, from 3-8 p.m. A funeral service for Aurora will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, February 19, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Anthony Barton officiating. Burial will follow in Lenawee Hills Memorial Park in Adrian. A funeral luncheon will take place at 1:00 p.m. at the Raisin Community Center, 3266 Gady Rd., Adrian.
Memorial contributions can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.