Nilda Rivera

Nilda Rivera September 16, 1928 – October 18, 2025 Cornwall, NY formerly of Highland Falls, NY
Nilda Rivera passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on October 18, 2025, at Cedar Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Ossining, NY. She was 97 years old. Daughter of the late Carmen Casiano Soto and Nicolas Soto, she was born in Humacao, Puerto Rico. She was one of 7 children, all of whom have previously passed. Nilda was married to Jose Ramon Rivera on April 7, 1948, in Juncos, PR.
Nilda was a resident of Highland Falls, NY, for over 36 years. She moved to Cornwall in 2012, where she lived with her daughter Carmen and her husband, Vidal Chevere.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Carmen Chevere (Vidal), of Cornwall, NY; Doris Ayala (Hector) of Bronx, NY; grandchildren, Hector Ayala Jr. (Yvette), Eileen Ayala-Miller, Maria Chevere, Diana Chevere, Jose R. Chevere (Aimee), David Ayala, and Lisa Negrin (Omar); additionally, she is also survived by her great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren who will miss her very much. In addition to her parents, Nilda was also predeceased by her husband, Jose R. Rivera, granddaughter Christina M. Chevere, and great-grandson Dominick Miller.
Nilda owned several bodegas throughout her years living in Manhattan before moving to Highland Falls in 1981. She was known as Grandma to many, even to those who were not directly related to her. Her heart was one of pure love and kindness. She loved to cook and feed everyone and anyone who came to her home. Nilda had a strong faith in God. She attended both the English and Spanish masses at Sacred Heart Church as often as she could while living in Highland Falls. Doing crossword puzzles was her favorite pastime joy. She loved playing cards, especially uno and rumy. She loved watching her novelas. Nilda was full of light, laughter, and fun. She loved music, dancing, and family gatherings. Her immense love for her family showed through her everyday life.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 27, 2025, at William F. Hogan Funeral Home, 135 Main St., Highland Falls, NY. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Sacred Heart Church, 353 Main St., Highland Falls, NY. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in New Windsor, NY. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Nilda, please visit our Tree Store.