Jo-Ellen Rivera

Jo-Ellen Rivera, "Jo-Ellen Leahy Rivera"

Jo-Ellen, affectionately known as Jo, was born in Manhattan, New York on August 13, 1943 to Frank
(Poppy) and Vivian Leahy. Jo-Ellen was one of five children to Poppy and Vivian: Carol, Joyce, herself,
Franky and Billy. It was also in Manhattan where she met her late husband Fundador “Jimmy” Rivera. Jo-
Ellen and Jimmy started their family and had four beautiful children: Kelly Jean, Debra Jayne, Margaret
Ann and Shane Richard Rivera.
Jo-Ellen spent most of her days caring for her family. Mornings consisted of crossword puzzles, coffee
and Marlboro Light 100s, followed with daily check-in calls to her children and grandkids. Ordering
Chinese food was part of the weekly schedule and often in abundance. This was a tool she often used to
lure her kids and grandkids in to stick around for longer than a hug and kiss. She wanted to be around
her family as often as possible and would be quite strategic in her approach to get everyone together.
On the weekends, Jo-Ellen and Jimmy would ride through the old neighborhood in Manhattan together,
reminiscing about “the good ole days.” They would typically cap their night off listening to their favorite
Peruvian band Ch’uwa Yacu!
Jo-Ellen will always be remembered as one of the funniest, craziest, toughest, loving and stubborn
women around. She loved being a grandmother… a role she flaunted proudly. Her unwavering support
and unconditional love for her grandchildren shined like sunbeams through the clouds.
We will miss your voice, we will miss your hugs, we will miss the laughter we would share, but most of
all, we will miss your love and support for us all!

She is survived by; daughters: Kelly, Debbie, Margie and her son Shane.
Grandchildren: Freddie, Fabian, Dana and great grandchildren: Levi, Nora
 

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