Carmen Rivera

She was born and raised in Manatí, Puerto Rico, her beloved island. As the eldest of four daughters, she carried a deep sense of responsibility from an early age, helping her mother with the family business, tending to livestock, and caring for her younger sisters. These experiences instilled in her the values of strength, devotion, and perseverance that shaped her life.

In her early years of motherhood, Carmen faced and overcame struggles with courage. Seeking new opportunities and a brighter future for her family, she journeyed from La Isla del Encanto to the Windy City, where she began to build a new life. In Chicago, she dedicated more than 25 years of service to Mickey’s Linen, working with steadfast commitment. Beyond her work, she gave her heart to her family, supporting her youngest son and lovingly helping raise her two grandsons, Luis and Anthony. With her guidance, laughter, and care, she created memories and bonds that they will always treasure.

After retiring, Carmen returned to Manatí to care for her own mother, a devoted act that spoke to her selfless nature. In time, she returned once more to Chicago to be near her family, where she became a proud and beloved member of the Senior Suites of Ravenswood Manor community. There, for nearly 19 years, she built friendships, shared joy, and remained surrounded by love until her own passing.

Carmen will be remembered for her warmth, humor, and joy. With a gift for making others laugh, and a smile that could brighten any room, Carmen had a way of turning strangers into friends and friends into family. She found happiness in the simple pleasures of life - cooking her family’s favorite meals and seasoning her dishes with love, hunting for treasures while thrifting, and keeping a watchful eye over her apartment building and looking after neighbors. Above all, her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, who will forever remember her simply and lovingly as “Mamá.”

She is survived by her sons, Luis and Edwin; her daughters-in-law, Eva and Sylvia; her grandsons, Luis, Edwin, Anthony, Carlos, and EdRaúl; her granddaughter-in-law, Sandy; and her five cherished great-grandchildren, Marcus, Edrian, Yanelis, Natalie, and Aliana. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and devotion that will live on through them.

Carmen’s family will forever hold her memory close in their hearts.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Malec & Sons Funeral Home, 6000 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago.

A Chapel Prayer Service, led by Deacon Juan Carlos and Family, including remarks and a eulogy, will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Malec & Sons Funeral Home, 6000 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago.

A Final viewing and Chapel prayers will take place on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. at Malec & Sons Funeral Home, 6000 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Parish, 4432 N. Troy Street, Chicago.

Interment will immediately follow mass at Rosehill Cemetery, 5800 N. Ravenswood Avenue, Chicago.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made directly to the family in support of Carmen’s final arrangements.