Valentina Rivera

Valentina Rivera, 96, best known as "Dona Tina", of Bethlehem, died at her residence on Wednesday, August 8, 2012, surrounded by her family. She was born November 1, 1915 in Corozal, Puerto Rico; the oldest child of Juan and Monica (Vasquez) Rivera.

Valentina was preceded in death by her husband, Francisco "Pancho" Rivera. She and her husband moved to the United States from Puerto Rico on May 27, 1955.

Valentina retired from Schobel Brothers Tie Factory. She was a pioneer and one of the founders of the Puerto Rican Club and assisted in fundraising and formation of the Puerto Rican Club Ladies Auxiliary. As a Parishioner of Holy Infancy Catholic Church, Valentina assisted in the formation of the Daughters of Mary and was one of the first members of the Sacred Heart Auxiliary Group at the church.

She dedicated her life to her family and will be dearly missed by her children, Angel Rivera and his wife Stephanie; Francisco "Cisco" Rivera, Jr. and his wife, Maria; Hidalgo "Tony" Rivera; Delia and her husband Carlos Diaz all of Bethlehem and Nelly and her husband Jorge Matos of Florida. Valentina is also survived by her brothers, Ismael and Juan Rivera of Bethlehem and sister, Carmen Maria Guzman of Puerto Rico as well as her 30 grandchildren, 53 great grandchildren and 25 great-great grandchildren. Valentina was predeceased by her daughter, Teresa Vazquez; Sons, Raphael, Luis and William Rivera; her granddaughter, Brenda Rivera and her great grandson, Mark Leinsberger as well as her siblings, Lola, Maria, Justina, Paca and Fortunado.

A viewing will be held from 6-9 PM on Friday, August 10, 2012 at the Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Another viewing will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 8-9:15 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 AM on Saturday at Holy Infancy Catholic Church 312 E 4th St. Bethlehem, PA 18015. Interment will follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to the church.

Cemetery
Holy Saviour Cemetery
2575 Linden St.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Visitation
Friday, August 10, 2012
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Visitation
Saturday, August 11, 2012
8:00 AM - 9:15 AM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday, August 11, 2012
10:00 AM
Holy Infancy Catholic Church
312 East Fourth St.
Bethlehem PA 18015
US

Burial
Saturday, August 11, 2012
11:20 AM
Holy Saviour Cemetery
2575 Linden St.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531