Milagros Rivera

Milagros Rivera entered into eternity at 1:37AM on March 12, 2025 at St Barnabas Hospital at the age of 60 years and 7 months. She was a devoted wife, mother grandparent, sister and friend who brought warmth and joy to all who knew her.

Milagros was born in Jayuya Puerto Rico August 22, 1964. At the age of 12, she moved to Elizabeth NJ , where she excelled in learning English as her second language at Cleveland Middle school. Milagros subsequently graduated with honors from Jefferson High School in Elizabeth New Jersey

At the age of 18, she met her husband, Jose Cruz.

She began her family in 1981 and raised 4 beautiful sons; Richard, Jose, Manuel and Christopher.

While raising her family, she pursued a successful career as a warehouse manager.

Milagros had a beautiful soul. She was warm-hearted, nurturing, caring, and loved by neighbors and family alike. She always put others before herself opening her home to family and friends where love, comfort and acceptance could always be found. An accomplished Latina cook, she enjoyed nothing more than being with family and cooking for those she loved.

After a debilitating illness in 2015 she was ultimately bed ridden and cared for by both her son Manuel and her “favorite daughter” Cookie, a grey Mal-Poo, who gave her endless hours of company and joy.

In need of professional nursing, she entered into care at Alaris Health Care in West Orange until her untimely passing in 2025.

Even wheelchair bound, and as a double amputee, Milagros enjoyed frequent trips from the nursing home to visit family and friends. In 2024, Milagros, her son, and her wheelchair, visited her tierra natal in Puerto Rico. Despite her disabilities, she and Manuel, her constant companion, enjoyed time at the beach, restaurants and visiting the sites of El Viejo San Juan.

Mrs. Rivera was predeceased by her beloved Mother, Antonia Colon-Medina, Father, Manuel Rivera, and two brothers Manuel and Juan.

She is Survived by her loving sons Jose , Manuel, and , Christopher, and her 3 sisters, Iris, Gloria and Raquel. Milagros was blessed with five beautiful Grandchildren; Richard, Kayla, Gianna, Christian and Sofia, who will forever cherish their abuelita’s memory.

Manuel and the family would like to thank the Staff of Alaris Health, especially her constant care giver, Marie Dicette, CNA.

A visitation for Milagros will be held Monday, March 17, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at KROWICKI MCCRACKEN FUNERAL HOME, 2124 East Saint George Ave, Linden, NJ 07036. Guests are invited to gather at the funeral home 9:00AM. The funeral mass will take place Tuesday, March 18, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary & St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, 215 Court St, Elizabeth, NJ 07206. A funeral will follow at Rosedale Cemetery, 750 E Linden Ave, Linden, NJ 07036.