Ana Iris Matthews

Born Ana Iris Rivera Cepeda on January 22, 1957, in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, she was the daughter of Pedro Rivera and Ana María Cepeda Centeno. Proud of her heritage, Ana carried with her a deep appreciation for family and a lifelong desire to help others.

From a young age, Ana developed a passion for sports and physical fitness. A talented athlete, she excelled in volleyball, basketball, and track and field, earning a volleyball scholarship to college. Soon thereafter, she began another chapter in her life by joining the military. Ana honorably served in the United States Army as a Combat Medical Specialist, proudly referring to herself as a "Ninety-One Bravo Army Medic." During her military service, she earned numerous honors and qualifications, including the Marksman Badge with M-16 Rifle Bar and the Expert Badge with Hand Grenade Bar. Her service reflected the same discipline, compassion, and dedication that would characterize the rest of her life.

Following her military service, Ana devoted more than 30 years to serving children and families as an Early Childhood Educator at the Langley Russ Child Development Center at Langley Air Force Base, where she retired. Deeply committed to early childhood education, she touched the lives of generations of children and families through her nurturing guidance, patience, and genuine devotion to those in her care. Ana also treasured the friendships she developed while working part-time at Riverside Wellness and Fitness Center, where she enjoyed many laughs and formed lasting bonds with people who meant so much to her.

A lifelong advocate for health and wellness, Ana enjoyed staying active through exercise, walking, and fitness. She often encouraged others to take care of themselves, sharing advice on nutrition and healthy living. Naturally generous and always willing to help, she found joy in supporting and encouraging others. Whether reminding children to wash their hands, encouraging someone to work out, or simply checking in on family and friends, Ana showed her care through her desire to see others live well and take care of themselves.

Above all, Ana treasured her family. As a mother and grandmother, she was deeply devoted to those closest to her. She made sure her grandchildren would always be protected and encouraged, and she never missed an opportunity to remind them how proud she was of them. She wanted them to know that they were precious, capable, and enough just as they were.

Fiercely loyal and strong-willed, Ana was never afraid to stand up for family and friends and advocate for what she believed was right. Throughout life's many seasons, she faced every challenge with resilience, determination, and unwavering faith.

Ana was preceded in death by her parents, Pedro Rivera and Ana María Cepeda Centeno.

She is survived by her daughters, Kaesha Matthews and Jo'ana Matthews; her beloved grandchildren, Jade, Jayla, and Jaxson; her brothers, Pedro Rivera Cepeda, Eduardo Rivera Cepeda, and Fernando Rivera Cepeda; her sisters, Carmen Castro Cepeda and Ileana Castro Cepeda; her aunt, Elsa Iris Cepeda Centeno; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Rd, Springfield, Virginia 22151, on June 12, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm, with Military Honors rendered promptly at 4:30PM.