Shirley Rivera

Shirley Rivera, a resident of Yonkers for the last several years, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, following a period of declining health. She was the beloved wife of the late Domingo Rivera, with whom she shared over 40 years of marriage.
Shirley was born in Georgetown, Guyana in December 1946 to Harry and Beryl Persaud. She was the fourth eldest of nine children, including Sonilall, Sundar, Harry (George), Gloria, Beryl, Joyce, Doreen Anne, and Desiree.
Shirley was previously married to Joseph Chatenarine, with whom she had a daughter, Sabrina. Seeking educational opportunities and the American dream, Shirley immigrated to the United States in 1978. In the same year, she found the love of her life (and, as he often reminded her, incredibly handsome), Domingo. They married soon after and began their long life together. They shared two sons together, Sanjeev and Suresh.
After working for many years as an English teacher in her home country, Shirley held a variety of great roles throughout her career in the New York area. Among the many roles she held, she worked in jewelry, book editing, and as substitute teacher, but her next love after teaching was found in the fashion industry, working for great companies like Walmart and Jordache.
Shirley loved to travel and see the world. She was proud to say that she visited places like London, Spain, Paris, and Mexico. Within the US, she loved spending time in Lancaster, PA and Wildwood, NJ. She and Domingo also loved visiting Hawaii and even moved to Oahu in the late '80's.
Shirley is survived by her children, Sabrina and her husband Arnold, Sanjeev and his wife Katia, and Suresh and his wife Anna; seven grandchildren, Alex, Connor, Hurbert, Joseph, Logan, Sabina, and Salima; her great grandchildren, Bellamy and Haley; her sister, Joyce; and her many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Shirley will be missed by all who knew her. Relatives and friends are invited to a Memorial Mass for Shirley that will be held on Saturday, November 30th at 10:30am at Saint John the Baptist Church, 670 Yonkers Avenue- Yonkers, New York 10704. This will be followed by lunch.
Arrangements are entrusted to Ruggiero & Sons, Inc. Funeral Home & Cremation Services - 732 Yonkers Avenue, Yonkers, New York 10704 - (914) 375-1400- www.frswfh.com