Lydia E. Rivera-Colon

April 22, 1930 - December 25, 2020

Lydia E. Rivera-Colon, 90, was called to her heavenly home on Christmas Day, 2020. She was born in Guayama, PR on April 22, 1930 to Julio and Modesta Colon-Moreno. In the 1950s, with her husband (the late Ezequiel Rivera, Sr) and their children, she came to reside at Atlantic Blueberry Company in Hammonton, NJ.  They later relocated to Pleasantville, NJ.

She was adamant in prioritizing education, always encouraging us to read and learn about anything we could want to know. Leading by example, she even attended night school in the 1980s to obtain her GED to prove that it was never too late to learn and education was for everyone. Although Lydia always wanted to be a nurse, she instead found work caring for the residents of Our Lady’s Residence in Pleasantville, NJ by providing nutrition in an environment that also celebrated her faith. A testament to her strength, she did this all while assisting in caring for her grandchildren.

After retiring and seeing her grandchildren into their teen years, she enjoyed simply spending time in her favorite chair, and taking part in observing the bustle of life that having a large family brings.

She relocated to Florida in 2011 with her eldest daughter to enjoy the warm, tropical-like weather that reminded her of her beloved island of Puerto Rico. Taped to her mirror were dozens of photos of her family enjoying milestones of weddings, christenings, communions, confirmations, graduations, etc…so she could see them every day.

She is survived by her brother Jose R. “Moncho” Colon, there being 8 siblings in total. She is further survived by her children: Ezequiel Rivera, Jr (Sara), Julio E. Rivera, Lydia H. Rivera-Serrano (Wilfredo), Louis A. Rivera, Sr (Wedylia), Lydia E. Rivera, and Yolanda James, 17 grandchildren plus spouses, 26 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and hosts of nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her daughter, Zulma L. Rivera and her sons, Jose M. Rivera, Freddy Rivera and Tony Rivera.  

Memorial Services will be held at Mullins Memorial at a later date to be announced via www.MullinsMemorial.com. 

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Jean Williams and Family Dec 28, 2020 at 11:37 am

    My sista, my friend and longtime co-worker, thank you for allowing your beautiful Mom into my life. Those of my family that knew or met her adored her also. May she rest eternally in that beautiful paradise (HEVEN). I only pray I can rest there & see her again. Love you

  2. Ajené Hall Dec 28, 2020 at 3:59 pm

    I am so fortunate to have crossed paths with such a beautiful soul. I know you will continue to watch and bless your family.

    Until next time
    Ajené

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