In Loving Memory of Adelia “Blanca” Rivera

Adelia Rivera, affectionately known as Blanca, was born on March 10, 1924, to Ysaias Rivera and Flora Vasquez. The Lord blessed her with a long and vibrant life, and on January 8, 2026, at the age of 101, Blanca peacefully went home to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Blanca was one of six children, growing up alongside five brothers and one sister. From an early age, she was known for her strength, warmth, and determination—qualities that would define her throughout her life. She earned her high school diploma from Washington Irving High School and later pursued both professional and spiritual growth with great dedication.

A woman of many talents, Blanca worked as a baker and seamstress before becoming a nurse’s aide, a role that perfectly reflected her spirit of servitude and desire to care for others. The years she worked at Head Start were also an example of that. She worked there till the age of 81. In 1964, she moved to New York, where she continued to build a life rooted in faith, family, and service.

Blanca was a devoted believer in Christ and spent countless hours sharing the message of salvation with anyone willing to listen. For those that knew her well, know that one of her favorite preachers for many years was Benny Hinn. She would often watch his sermons and would try to get anyone that visited her to watch with her. Adelia was a dedicated student of the Word, graduating from Arca Evangélica Institute, Inc. on October 26, 1963. For most of her life, she attended the Christian Missionary Church, and for the last 25 years, she joyfully worshiped at The New Jerusalem Church in Haverstraw under the leadership of Pastors Dr. Rev. Domingo and Betsy Rodriguez.

One of Blanca’s greatest accomplishments was helping to construct a church in Cruce de Ocoa, Dominican Republic. She remained deeply committed to that ministry, faithfully supporting the pastoral family and church community for many years. Her love for God was not only spoken but lived out through action, sacrifice, and unwavering faith.

Blanca was the proud mother of three children: Carlos, Irving, and Bernice. She was a devoted grandmother who cherished her grandchildren deeply and even attempted to raise some of them on her own at the age of 70. She is survived by her son Irving and daughter-in-law Irma; her grandchildren David, Vivian, Irving Jr., Julie, Lisandra, Carlos, Darnice, Alberto, and Leisha; along with great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, a sister-in-law, and many extended family members and friends who loved her dearly. She is now reunited in Heaven with her son Carlos, her daughter Bernice, her siblings Avelino, Tony, Jose, Alejo, Pegin, Nelly and many other loved ones who went before her.

Today, we celebrate a life well lived—a faithful servant, a loving mother and grandmother, and a woman whose legacy of strength and faith will continue through generations. We rejoice knowing that Blanca is now at peace, resting in the presence of her Lord.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 14th, 2026, from 4pm-8pm at TJ McGowan Sons Funeral Home in Garnerville, NY. Interment and graveside service will be held on Thursday, January 15th, 2026 at Mount Repose Cemetery in Haverstraw US-9W & US-202, Haverstraw, NY 10927.

To send flowers, please visit Bassett flowers at www.bassettflowers.com or call 845-634-3638 .