Georgetown, Texas, September 26, 2025
News Summary
The communities of Texas and Louisiana mourn the loss of Lydia Larose Rives and Barbara Mokry, two women dedicated to family, education, and community service. Lydia, an Army wife and librarian, impacted many through her career and community engagement. Similarly, Barbara contributed significantly to her church and the field of healthcare. Both will be remembered for their loving spirits and enduring legacies.
Georgetown, Texas
In a somber week for friends and family, the communities of Texas and Louisiana have lost two remarkable women, Lydia Larose Rives and Barbara Mokry, who each dedicated their lives to service and enriching the lives of those around them.
Lydia Larose Rives
Lydia Larose Rives, born on September 17, 1935, in New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Louise Rives, son James Browne Rives and wife Magaly Perez Rives, grandsons Rene Alexander Rives and wife Bevin Amira, Patrick Thomas Rives, granddaughter Raquel Amelia and husband David Johnson, great-granddaughter Amelia, and several nieces and nephews.
Early Life and Education
Lydia led an impactful life filled with resilience, being preceded in death by her husband, Col. William Thomas “Bill” Rives, Jr., and two sons, Tom (17) and Johnny (9). She also mourned the loss of her parents, brothers, and sisters, who shaped her family life and values. Lydia’s educational journey included graduating from The Academy of the Sacred Heart and Loyola University of the South. She earned a Master’s degree in Education from West Texas State University and a Master’s in Library Science from Catholic University in Washington, D.C.
Career and Community Engagement
For 30 years, Lydia dedicated herself to being an Army wife, moving her family 20 times while raising four children. She carved out a respected career as a librarian for the U.S. Army over a span of 15 years at notable locations including Heidelberg, Germany, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Alexandria, Virginia, The Pentagon Law Library in Washington, D.C., and Fort Hood, Texas. Lydia was deeply involved with the American Librarians Association, particularly within the Armed Forces Librarians Round Table (AFLRT), holding various leadership roles until her retirement in 1997.
Post-retirement, Lydia remained an active member of her community in Sun City, Texas, engaging in organizations such as the Kiwanis, theater and book clubs, Senior University, Eagle Boosters, and as Charter Treasurer of the Wall Street Savage Investment Club. She moved to Wesleyan Independent Living West in Georgetown, Texas, in 2017 and continued to enjoy bridge and theater productions.
In her last months, Lydia was near her son, Jim Rives, and his wife, Maggie, in Alexandria, Virginia. A Memorial Mass will commemorate Lydia’s life on Friday, October 17, at 3 p.m. CST at Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic Church, Florence, Texas. Memorial donations can be directed to the Tarahumara Children’s Hospital Fund, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Barbara Mokry
Barbara Mokry, having passed away recently, leaves behind a legacy as a devoted community member enriched by a thriving family. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Victor W. Mokry, son Bryan Mokry and wife Carrie of Newport News, Virginia, along with four grandsons and a great-grandson.
Active Community Member
Barbara has been a prolific contributor to St. Helen’s Catholic Church, frequently participating in the ladies’ club, serving as an Eucharistic Minister and Coordinator, and fulfilling the role of daily Sacristan. Her commitment to education was profound, having taught Religious Education for 25 years while also contributing to the Bereavement committee and Perpetual Adoration Society.
Professional and Personal Life
Before her retirement, Barbara was an accomplished professional in healthcare, achieving notable positions at Austin State Hospital, Seton Hospital, DeTar Hospital, and Victoria Women’s Clinic Lab. Barbara won first place in the citywide science fair during her junior year at Ursuline Academy in Laredo, Texas, demonstrating her exceptional capabilities from a young age.
A visitation for Barbara will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home, Georgetown, Texas, followed by a funeral mass on Tuesday, September 30, at 10:00 AM at St. Helen Catholic Church. A luncheon will follow until 12:00 PM, after which Barbara will be laid to rest privately.
Conclusion
The lives of both Lydia Larose Rives and Barbara Mokry demonstrate an enduring dedication to family, education, and community service. These remarkable women will be remembered by their families and communities for their abundant contributions and loving spirits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the date of Lydia Larose Rives’ memorial mass?
A Memorial Mass for Lydia will be held on Friday, October 17, at 3 p.m. CST at Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic Church in Florence, Texas.
What were Barbara Mokry’s contributions to her community?
Barbara was actively involved at St. Helen’s Catholic Church, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, daily Sacristan, and taught Religious Education for 25 years.
When will the visitation for Barbara Mokry take place?
A visitation for Barbara will take place on Monday, September 29, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a rosary at 7:00 PM.
Key Features At A Glance
| Feature | Lydia Larose Rives | Barbara Mokry |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 17, 1935 | Not Specified |
| Date of Passing | September 11, 2025 | Not Specified |
| Survived By | Daughter, Son, Grandchildren, Great-granddaughter, Niece/Nephews | Husband, Son, Grandsons, Great-grandson |
| Memorial Mass Date | October 17, 2025 | Funeral Mass on September 30, 2025 |
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Barbara Mokry
- Wikipedia: Georgetown, Texas
- Legacy: Henry Westendarp III
- Google Search: Georgetown
- Legacy: Matthew Oefelein
- Google Scholar: Librarian career
- Legacy: Roberta Lee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Barbara Mokry
- Legacy: Mary McKenney
- Google News: Librarian
Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN
The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
