Rachel Rivera, 71, of Grand Island, passed away Friday, November 24 at CHI-Health St. Francis Medical Center.Mass of Christian burial will be 10:00 AM, Saturday, December 2, 2017 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with The Reverend Marty Egging officiating. Burial will be in the Grand Island City Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 4-6 PM with Rosary beginning at 6 PM at Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date. Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. Memories and online condolences may be directed to www.livson.com.

She was born on October 20, 1946 at Kearney to Frank and Mary (Aldana) Rivera. She grew up in Kearney until 1960 when the family moved to Grand Island where she graduated from Grand Island Sr. High in 1965.

Rachel continued her education at Kearney State College where she studied Childhood Education and graduated in 1973. She later attended Joseph's School of Beauty receiving her certificate of Cosmetology. Rachel loved her family and spending time with them.  Gatherings and outings together, especially all holidays and birthdays were something she lived for.

She had many loves: music, shopping, movies, traveling, singing, keeping a journal, hair styling and cosmetology. Although, nothing compared to the love she had for her nieces and nephews. She lived to spoil and nurture them as if they were her very own, carrying on special traditions with each of them. Her spontaneous, selfless, giving nature and her habit of encouraging others will truly be missed.

Rachel was a member of the Catholic Church, The Head Start Early Childhood Development Program and the YMCA Youth Programs.

She is survived by her brothers, Frank Jr (Phyllis), Richard, Raymond, Jesse; and sisters, Kathy (Scott) Laws and Mary (Terry) Mason.

Rachelwas preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Joe; and sisters, Anita Rivera and Arlene Rivera.