Justine Ann "Jet" Rivers

East Hampton - Justine Ann "Jet" (Riordan-Cullen) Rivers, 81, formerly of Cobalt, died peacefully Tuesday, March 22, 2011.

She was born on March 2, 1930, in Manchester, the daughter of the late James and Sally (Coyle) Riordan. She was a graduate of Williams Memorial Institute in New London and soon thereafter won the Miss Coral Gables Beauty Pageant in 1949. Justine then proceeded to work as a legal secretary for several years at the office of Harold Dean, retiring many years ago.

She was predeceased by her ex-husbands, Robert Cullen and Frank Rivers Jr.

Justine's family and close friends will remember her as Harry Belafonte's first and greatest fan. She had seen him many times at the Oakdale Theatre, and her sons will always remember hours of Harry's music being played in the house. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends.

She is survived by her sons, Robert Cullen Jr. and his wife, Jeanie, of East Haddam, and Frank Rivers III and his wife, Lisa, of Berlin, Conn. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Casey Cullen, Jenna (Cullen) Schall, and her husband, Jay, and Mitchell Rivers.

Justine's family would like to thank the staff at Cobalt Lodge in Cobalt, for the care, compassion, and love shown to Justine during her long stay at their facility.

Calling hours are from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, March 28, 2011, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be in St. Mary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Justine's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 279 New Britain Road, Kensington CT 06037.

Please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com for directions, to leave a condolence message, or to view Justine's video tribute.