Carmen J. Rivera

Waltham – Mrs. Carmen J. Rivera, of Waltham, died Sunday, February 28, 2021 at the Newton-Wellesley Center for Alzheimer's Care. She was 72.

Carmen was born in Orocovis, Puerto Rico on March 3, 1948 to the late Francisco and Julia (Flores) Rivera. Raised in Orocovis, she moved to Waltham in 1966 and had been a resident ever since.

She had worked as an assembler at the Standard-Thompson Company in Waltham for many years until her retirement. A devout Catholic, she was a faithful parishioner of Saint Charles Borromeo Church on Hall Street where she was also a longtime volunteer.

Carmen was a devoted mother and grandmother and cherished any opportunity to spend time with her family.

She leaves her children, Marcelino Marrero, Jr. (Joanie) of Marlborough, Marilyn Marrero of Fitchburg, Joseph Marrero (Jennifer) of Waltham, Ivan Marrero (Cheryl) of Clinton and Milagros Marrero (Luis) of Waltham; her former husband, Marcelino Marrero; eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and several brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and their families.

In addition to her parents, Carmen was predeceased by her grandson, Hector Marrero.

Family and friends will honor and remember Carmen's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Thursday, March 4th from 4 to 7 p.m. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday morning at 10 a.m. in Saint Mary's Church, 133 School Street, Waltham. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.

Those wishing to view Carmen's Funeral Mass may do so by visiting https://my.gather.app/remember/carmen-rivera-mar-2021 on Friday, March 5th at 10 a.m.
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A note from the funeral home pursuant to Governor Baker's recent order:

During times of uncertainty and crisis one might wonder what to do at the loss of a loved one or how to show support to a friend given the limitations that the pandemic continues to present.

Telephone your friend to offer words of love and support, give them a virtual hug, drop something delicious by the house, leave a condolence on the funeral home website, make a donation to their favored charity, send a card or flowers or have a Mass said, remain in touch, and above all else . . . say prayers for the deceased and their family and the world during this difficult and unprecedented time.

These simple gifts of sympathy and charity are more valuable than you will ever know.

When public wakes are held capacity limits mean that your visit should be brief to allow other guests time to say hello to the family. Only members of the immediate family remain present throughout.

It goes without saying that people who have lost someone are especially sensitive and understanding to the concerns that some of their own family members and friends may have about visiting any public places right now. If this does not feel like the right time for you to venture out please don't.

Space limitations also mean that funeral services inside the funeral home and in many places of worship will also be private. Most services, at the family's request, will also be livestreamed and recorded for future viewing. The link to access the channel is found at the bottom of the obituary notice online.

Cemetery services are included in the current outdoor gathering limit of twenty-five people.

During any events, public or private, common sense precautions prevail. That includes masks covering your nose and mouth, staying with your household group throughout the services and keeping a sensible distance.

Thank you . . . again . . . for your patience and understanding.