ELIZABETH MAE “BETTY” RIVERA
Elizabeth Mae Rivera, 92, longtime Whidbey Island resident, passed away on Friday, December 18, 2015, at her daughter’s home in Oak Harbor, following a lengthy illness.
Mrs. Rivera was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Dec. 14, 1923 to Henry and Mae (Gosse) Peddle. She lived in Saint Johns, Newfoundland during her early years. She moved to Boston at the age of twelve, attending school and graduating from high school there. She was a graduate of Medford College. Betty taught school for a time. She lived in Washington, DC, where she was employed for a number of years. Betty also lived in Wilmington, CA, for thirty some years. She moved to Whidbey Island in 1982, and attributed her long life to the ambience of the island. Betty was an ardent traveler, and lived and traveled to many places all over the world. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren, who were her joy. She also loved her adoptive Chamorro family and friends. She was a very giving and generous person.
Betty is survived by her children: Karen Rye (Ken Hunt) of Oak Harbor, Jens Rivera (Bernadette Petrotta) of Freeland, Steve Rivera (Patty) of San Carlos, CA, Mark Rivera (Denise) of Garden Grove, CA and Leslie Rivera-Mason of San Diego, CA; daughter-in-law Charlene Rivera of San Marcos, CA; eighteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Joe Rivera on Feb. 4, 2005, son Chris Rivera on April 7, 2015, daughter Donna Rivera on July 31, 2015 and grandson Brandon Hunt on September 18, 2015. She also leaves her beloved dog Jake.
A Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine's Catholic Church on Saturday, March 12, 2016, 11:00 AM. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences at this site as well.