Milagros Linda Rivera

A ray of sunshine has moved to the heavens as our dear friend, Milagros (Linda) Rivera, passed from this earth on December 4, 2023, joining her parents, other family members, and several friends.

Linda, which means pretty in Spanish, was born in Añasco, Puerto Rico. Her world changed forever, at 1 year of age when she contracted polio. Her mom took care of her, encouraging and supporting Linda, renaming her Milagros, which means Miracle in Spanish. Linda was the “official” oldest sibling taking on the role of the protector, to her brothers and sisters. Her sister Rebecca and her brother-in-law Raoul are here from Florida to welcome Linda to her new home in heaven. Linda enjoyed her grandmother’s rice and beans (not her mom’s!) which she probably waited years to savor in heaven.

Linda lived at Wassaic for a time, where she learned how to swim with the help of others holding onto her, as well as her hanging on their back when needed. Linda moved to the Cerebral Palsy of Ulster County’s (now Wraparound Services of the Hudson Valley) residential houses in 1998. She at various times lived in Koenig, Lasher, Carroad, until moving to her current home at Kirschner in 2012.

Linda also attended Day Hab at Wraparound Services where she was a friend to many. Included in those friends were the various pets in Day Hab - frogs and especially guinea pigs. Linda would pet the guinea pigs and talk with them as they were her own, defending them if people tried to take their treats, as well as held a vigil when they were sick, sitting by their side in hopes they would get well quickly. Not only were these pets were cherished by Linda, but her “babies” were as well. Even when she struggled toward the end of her life, Linda would coo and talk with her dolls or a baby, if by chance she came across a small child. With a smile on her face, Linda brought joy to all her knew her and her jubilation would radiate through everyone.

More importantly, Linda’s joy was to be outdoors. Many individuals who visited Wraparound Services initially would see Linda basking in the sun’s glow, as she greeted everyone who came through their doors. Linda’s contagious smile showed her great pleasure to soak up the sun’s rays, which was evident when she went for walks outside at Kirschner. The warmth of the sun was so important to Linda that she took the guinea pigs outside to soak up the sun’s rays with her! Linda would appreciate that her final resting place will be alongside the Caribbean Sea where she will be laid to rest beside her mother.

A celebration of Linda’s life will be held at Keyser’s Funeral Home, 326 Albany Ave., Kingston NY on Wednesday, December 6th from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, to share stories and honor Linda’s life, saying our goodbyes to a beautiful family member and good friend. Father Kearney will be holding a short service from 2:00 PM - 2:15PM for family and friends.