Ada attended Guayama High School in Guayama, Puerto Rico, and married Carlos Rivera, a member of the U.S. Army, in 1954. She and Carlos traveled to Europe and to many states in the United States, before finally settling in Columbus, GA, where she ventured into her business, Ada’s Lace Shop, which gave her much pleasure with sewing, crafting, and making wedding decorations.
Ada was deeply devoted to her family, always placing their needs above her own. She gave 100 percent of herself to being a wife, mother, and grandmother to her grandchildren to the best of her ability, despite her health issues.
According to her daughter, Ada was born to be a homemaker. From cooking, cleaning, sewing, and taking care of three small children mostly alone as a military spouse, she never complained.
She was a devoted member of Grace Baptist Church in Columbus, GA, where she loved serving in the choir and the nursery, and in the church visitation program.
Besides loving her family profoundly, Ada loved people, and those who served on the mission field. She and her husband hosted members of many college singing groups, missionary families, others who came to the church and needed a place to stay.
Ada taught everyone she encountered to work diligently and to do things without complaining, not just through words, but by the unwavering example of her own life. Whether it was a simple task or a difficult challenge, she approached every situation with a strong mindset and positive spirit. Making others smile, whether with her friendly hello or her infectious laugh, Ada had a gift at making people feel cared for. No one was a stranger to Ada.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and faith. Her children, grandchildren, and all who were blessed to know her will carry her spirit forward. Though she is no longer with us, the lessons she taught and the love she gave will be in our hearts forever.
Ada was preceded in death by her parents, Vicente Colon-Morales and Enriqueta Guzman-Cruz, and her siblings, Lydia Diaz, Vincente Colon, Jr., and Enrique Colon.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 70 years, Carlos Rivera de Jesus. Her legacy continues through her children, Carlos R. Rivera, Eddie B. Rivera (Fiona Bremner), and Nancy I. Rivera; her grandchildren, Shay I. Rivera-Bremner and Aiden C. Rivera-Bremner; and her siblings, Iris Raquel Colon, Loyda Bentley (Dennis), Samuel Colon, Benjamin Colon, and Ismael Colon.
A funeral service will be held at Grace Baptist Church, 2915 14th Ave, Columbus, GA, 31904, on October 3, 2025, at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the missions program of Grace Baptist Church.
