America Garcia Rivera

8th, 2023

America was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico to Don José Gregorio García Salazar, aka "Don Goyo" and Doña

Josefa González Rivera, aka "Doña Pepa" on the 24th day of February of 1925. She completed high school

in Mayaguez and later continued her studies at the Universidad de Puerto Rico obtaining an undergraduate

in Finance and later on a Juris Doctorate at the university's College of Law. While in school she met Gabriel

Rivera Dionisí who was captivated by her, when he saw her reciting poetry at a student event. They were

married after a three month courtship and went on to be married for the rest of their lives (46 years).

America worked as a lawyer for the Puerto Rico Department of Public Education and eventually became the

Director of its Legal Division showcasing her dedication to the field of law and education. Her involvement

in the "Asociacion de Graduadas de la Universidad de Puerto Rico" highlights her commitment to

supporting women in graduate school, fostering a community of empowered and educated individuals.

Furthermore, her contributions to the development of the first educational guidelines for special education

children within the Puerto Rico public school system demonstrate her commitment to inclusive education

and advocacy for marginalized groups.

In addition to her legal and educational pursuits, America's passion for poetry and her publications of

several poetry books demonstrates a creative side to her personality. It's evident that she made significant

contributions not only in her professional life but also in the realms of literature and education.

Despite her notable professional achievements, America would assert that her most significant

accomplishment and greatest source of pride and joy stemmed from the strong bonds she shared with her

husband and children. Her devotion to her family was paramount, and she was cherished by them.

America García González is preceded in death by her husband Gabriel Rivera Dionisí, her daughter Lyssette

Rivera Cripps and her son Alberto Rivera Garcia. She is survived by her children and their spouses; Carlos

and Irene Rivera, Vanessa Martinez, Camille and John Olinto, Maritza Rivera, and Jose and Yolanda Rivera

Collazo. As well as her grandchildren Antony, Nicholas, Katherine, Mia, Nicholas, Isabel, Nelson, Crosby,

Corey, Gabriela, Jose, and Andres. As well as her great-grandchildren Gavin, Ben, Diana, Yahir, and Lorena.

The family of América García González wishes to express our sincere thanks to; First to our sister Maritza E

Rivera who fulfilled a promise to take care of our mother 21 years ago and never wavered. Next to Dr. Lugo

and Dr. Sofia and their staff; Libertad, Rosa, Gretel who took great care of her medical needs. We also want

to offer a special and much deserved thank you to Rosa, her caregiver for the past two years, who did not

leave her side in her final moments. We also want to thank Vitas Hospice, and the nurses involved in her

end of life journey. Lastly and certainly not least, we want to express our thanks to Rita, Marina, Griselle,

Yolanda, Liseth, Mercedes, Sylvia and Vanessa all of which helped take care of mom over the years.