Anita Rivers

(1923-2016)

Anita Yambao Rivers, beloved wife and mother, passed away on December 25, 2016, surrounded by her loving family.

Anita was born October 10, 1923 to Jose and Agripina Yambao in Angat, Bulacan, Philippines. She lived a full and extraordinary life.

During World War II schools in the Philippines closed and children lost the ability to read. Anita discovered her passion as she taught children the alphabet. Within 6 months, her students could fluently read and chant the Passion Play. Parents flocked to Anita, asking her to teach their children, and paying her with precious sacks of palay (rice), reflecting the value they placed on her teaching ability.

Directly after the war, Anita was appointed as a Social Worker in charge of three provinces, Masbate, Bataan, and Zambales. In Zambales, she met her future husband, Richard Rivers Jr., the son of Richard and Tomasa Rivers. In 1950, Anita and Richard were married in her hometown of Angat at Santa Monica Catholic Church. In 1953 Anita joined her husband in the United States who was serving in the US Air Force.

While raising four children she developed a physical education program at St. Lucy's Elementary School in Long Beach, Ca. This rekindled her passion for teaching, and she went on to pursue a distinguished career as a full-time teacher at the Long Beach Unified School District.

Anita is predeceased by her grandson Richard E Rivers lV. She is survived by her loving husband, Richard; her children Philip (Geri), Stanley, Bridgett (Tony), and Richard III (Cheryl). She leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Services will be held on the following dates: Viewing and Rosary on January 5 at 6:30pm at Stricklin/Snively Mortuary; Funeral at St. Lucy's Catholic Church on January 6 at 11:00am; and Internment on January 6 at 12:30pm at All Souls Cemetery.