Isabel Rivera, 78, Worked with Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

Isabel was born on November 2, 1942 in Naranjito, Puerto Rico. She was the oldest of seven children of Francisco Hernandez and Lucia Rodriguez.

On June 17, 1961, Isabel married her beloved husband Andres Rivera and moved to Lorain, Ohio. After having her children, Isabel pursued and received her General Education Development Degree (GED) in 1976. She later received her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education in 1987 from Lorain County Community College (LCCC).

Throughout her life, Isabel always placed her family and others first. Her devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ was evident by her work with individuals with developmental disabilities for over 40 years. This included many years of volunteer service to Murray Ridge Center, Murray Ridge Workshop, Ohio State Youth Advocate Program, Special Olympics, and a Spiritual Care Volunteer at Mercy Hospital. From 1977 to 1981 Isabel worked at the Lorain County Head Start program as a Teacher’s Assistant. For over 25 years, Isabel fostered many children and worked as an Individual Provider for the state of Ohio.

Isabel is survived by her daughter Elba Iris Perez (née Rivera) of Lorain and her children Jonathan Perez (Christina) of Columbus, Matthew Perez, (Katherine), of Sheffield Lake, and Casandra Franklin of Lorain; daughter Isabel “Lissy” Rivera Smith (Peter) of Goshen, New York and their children, Antoinette, Amelia, Karissa and Jamarr, daughter Lucia “Lucy” Rivera of Lorain, sons Andres “Andy” F. Rivera and Kevin M. Rivera both of Lorain, daughters Charra Tillie and Ashley Acoff of Cleveland, six great grandchildren, and many Godchildren.

Other than her parents, Isabel was preceded in death by her husband Andres Rivera in 2017.

Her family will receive family and friends Friday, December 11 at 8:30 AM followed by
a mass to celebrate Isabel’s life at 9:30 AM at Sacred Heart Chapel, 4301 Pearl Avenue, Lorain. Rev. Father William A. Thaden will be officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, face coverings are required so please be cognizant of the social distancing guidelines of maintaining a safe space of six feet apart.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Isabel’s memory to the Ohio Special Olympics at [email protected] or Special Olympics Ohio, 1133 19th Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 or Sacred Heart Chapel Memorial Fund, 4301 Pearl Avenue, Lorain, Ohio 44055.

For expressions of sympathy and further information, please visit Reidyfuneral.com.