Felicitas DelaRosa Rivera

Lily was born on May 1, 1946 to Rosalina and Andres Dela Rosa. The seventh of nine siblings, Lily attended Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the Philippines and graduated in 1965. With the Spanish degree she earned, Lily taught Spanish Studies as a college professor. In 1972, Lily, with her 10-month old daughter Arlene in tow, became the first of her family to immigrate to the United States; joining her husband Miguel in New York. She continued her teaching career in various New York schools and later transitioned to an Adult Education Counselor until her retirement in 2008. Her passion for teaching extended outside her profession as she gave piano lessons to children for many years in her own home.

Lily, whose formal name, Felicitas, translates to ‘happy’ or ‘good fortune’, lived up to her name until she joined our Heavenly Father. The happy mother of three loving daughters and wife to a devoted husband, Lily made sure that her family in the Philippines would experience the same happiness and good fortune that she found in New York. In years time, Lily not only successfully petitioned her mother and many of her siblings to immigrate to the United States but also assisted them in finding employment through her network as well. This kindness and generosity extended beyond her family, helping anybody who sought her assistance in any way she could.

Lily was a devout Catholic who believed strongly in the power of prayer. She was a parishioner of Holy Family Parish in Fresh Meadows, NY and was active in Santo Nino prayer groups.

Lily is survived by her loving husband, Miguel G. Rivera, Jr., her three loving daughters and their husbands, Arlene Rochelle Tomelden (Michael), Audrey Jane Rivera-Htaik (Zaw), and Michelle Anne Rivera-Latorre (Dave); 6 grandchildren, Gabriel Bryce DelaSerna, Brandon Michael Latorre, James Xavier Latorre, Noah Dante Latorre, Skyler Paige Tomelden, and Hudson Michael Htaik; 4 sisters and their husbands, Rosalinda Bernal, Luz Ramos, Zenaida ‘Ceny’ Perez (Rolando), and Corazon Las Marias (Carlos); and many more nephews and nieces and their families.

Loved by many, Felicitas “Lily” Rivera made a lasting impression on the lives of others and will be dearly missed.

A celebration of Lily’s life will be held at a later date.