Rivelina E. Rodriguez

Rivelina E. Rodriguez of Mount Vernon, New York, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was 80 years old. She was born in Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico to Julia Santiago Rodriguez and Joaquin Rivera Tricoche.

Rivelina shared her life with her husband of sixty two years, Angel L. Rodriguez. Rivelina and Angel raised three children Leticia, William, and Richard. Later, they welcomed another son, William M. Hofer, into their home.  She was the grandmother of Daniel and Evan Rosario, Richard J. Rodriguez, and William N. Hofer, and great grandmother of Aria R. Rosario. Family and home were the nucleus of her life. Every bit of her home reflected her artistic craft, her ingenuity, and her passion. She loved music and was blessed with a beautiful voice. Rivelina created a home base, a safe haven for many in her extended family. It was her drive, her intelligence, and her heart that fostered a strong family, home, and legacy. Her children and grandchildren as well as other family members carry with them her teachings, her love and her strength. She remains the matriarch of this family.

Rivelina returned to school as an adult and earned her Master Degree in Education. She graduated with honors. Rivelina taught at Middle School 45 in the Bronx, where she began as a PTA member, para professional and then teacher of English as a Second Language. Her creativity and innate love of children made her a marvelous educator and advocate for immigrant students. She was beloved by the administration, students, and the community.

Rivelina is survived by her husband, children, and grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by them and her many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, sisters Iris, Julie, Magdalena, Libby, and brother William.

A celebration of Rivelina’s life will take place at Pelham Funeral Home located at 64 Lincoln Avenue, Pelham NY on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, between the hours of 5:00 and 8:00 PM. A Mass will be celebrated at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, located at 95 Eastchester Rd, New Rochelle, NY 10801 on Wednesday January 18, 2023,  at 10:00am. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, New York.