It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Doña Julia Rivera, 87, on June 1, 2017. She was the beloved wife of Don Antonio Rivera for over 64 years and devoted mother of Miriam Flores, William Rivera, Merari Rivera, Hilda Costa, Elizabeth Rivera, Maria Rivera-Fuentes, Noemi Rivera, Ruth Rivera and Antonio Rivera, Jr. In addition to her 9 children, she leaves 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren to cherish her memory. She also leaves her sister, Maximina Delgado, and brothers, Pedro Delgado, Jesus Delgado and Bienvenido Delgado. Doña Julia was born on January 17, 1930 in Maunabo (El Cielito), Puerto Rico where she met and married Don Antonio. She was predeceased by her parents Benito Delgado and Margarita Pinto Delgado and her sister, Irma Delgado.

Doña Julia was an extraordinary woman; a faithful wife, a dedicated mother and grandmother, and a loyal friend. She was the family matriarch who held the family together with weekly Sunday dinners and preserving traditional holiday celebrations. Many people benefitted from her generosity and hospitality and many lives were touched by her gentle spirit and words of wisdom. At an early age, she accepted Jesus as her Savior and lived the rest of her life upholding the biblical truths and principles. It was her faith in God that sustained her through many years of illness. Among her many joys was her love of cooking and gardening. She also enjoyed being an Avon representative for 47 years.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, June 4, 2017 at Primera Iglesia Bautista, 210 Washington Street, Hartford, CT from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A memorial service will immediately follow the wake. Funeral service will be on Monday, June 5, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. at Primera Iglesia Bautista and burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hartford. All are welcome to join the family at a luncheon following the burial at Primera Iglesia Bautista. The Rivera family extends its gratitude to the doctors at Starling Physicians, especially Dr. Stephen Firschein, the staff at the Wethersfield Infusion Center, and the staff at the Hartford Hospital Conklin Building for their excellent medical and considerate attention. Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.