We would like to take this time to remember Mildred Perez Rivera (Millie, Grandmama Joe, GG, GGma, Gumbi) who passed away on April 8th, 2024 in St. Cloud, Florida. Mildred was born on May 4th, 1949 in New York City, New York to Antonia and Juan Perez.

She grew up with four sisters and a brother: Mary, Miriam, Nancy, Nilda, and Juan Perez Jr. She remained close with her siblings throughout the years. She then married Confessor (Tony) Rivera on February 3rd, 1968. They were married for 55 years until Confessor’s passing on September 19th, 2015.

She helped raise all six of her grandchildren: Jessica, Michael, Marissa, Jonathan, Marc, and Matthew. Because of this, her house felt like a second home to them. Even long after they needed to be looked after, her grandchildren would often visit her, have dinners, or spend the night. Nothing felt quite like snuggling up like “snow bunnies” and watching movies. She was a kind soul with a heart of gold. She was always there with a hug and a warm meal. She loved nothing more than to be surrounded by her loved ones, and her loved ones loved
nothing more than to be around her.

Despite her life struggles, she always had an abundance of love to give to both people and her many pets. No matter how dark and scary the world became, she always felt like a safe harbor from the storms of life. She was a lot of things to a lot of people, but for those who remained close to her, she was everything. She will be irrevocably and unceasingly missed. Her legacy of love, laughter, made-up words, family dinners, and kindness will live on within her family.

Mildred is survived by her siblings (Mary Medina, Nancy Gonzalez, Nilda Perez, Juan Perez Jr.), her children (Anthony Rivera, Jeannette Rivera Alexander), her grandchildren (Jessica Rivera-Bates, Michael Alexander, Marissa Alexander, Jonathan Rivera, Marc Rivera, Matthew Alexander), and her great-grandchildren (Julian, Dominic, Penelope, Theodore Bates).

A celebration of life will be held for Mildred on May 4th, 2024 for her family and friends.