Mom was born November 24th 1935 in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. To Casto and Josefina Rivera. She had one younger brother Casto Eduardo Rivera but everyone just calls him eddie. She moved to New york at a very young age (4 years old) where she went on to study at Columbia University for a number of years but left before finishing her studies there. The love of her life was Armando Martins whom she continued to love even after his death and so she remained unattached after his passing. They were married in 1959 and went on to have 3 loving children Armand, Richard , and Vivian. All of whom love and cherish the many wonderful years they were privileged and blessed to spend with her. She was also blessed with Wonderful grandchildren all of whom loved her dearly. Crystal was her first grandchild born to Richard and Cathy followed by Candace (Candy) who was born to Vivian and ken after which came Melissa( Rich and Cathy) Avonlea(Viv and Ken) Dannielle( Dani) to Armand and Marty and lastly Anthony (Rich and Cathy). She loved each and everyone of them and doted upon them as only a loving grandparent could. Candy and Avonlea named her “Lala” and that was their name for her. She was involved in radio drama in her youth, and was always active in community projects. Over the years she met and befriended countless numbers of people and traveled extensively, which is fitting since she had married our father who went on to become a pilot first for Caribairlines and later on with Eastern airlines. Her travels took her to Europe, the Caribbean, and as far east as China. Mom was supremely social and loved to spend time with family and friends. Her interests were many and ranged from culture and civics to music and the arts. Foremost among these were her passion for reading and dance. Mom was a voracious reader and you would never find her without a book (or ten) that she was reading. She loved to dance. She entered various Ballroom competitions and won numerous awards. But it was her love of Dancing that motivated her rather than the awards she accrued. She was a woman of deep faith which sustained her during the most trying times of her life (the passing of her beloved husband as well as the challenges of aging) and which was seen in the way she lived her life. Her legacy of love, kindness , generosity, good works , and love of life will be continued by all of us who knew her and were fortunate enough to have her in our lives. We will all miss her greatly.