Carmen Rivera, 78, of Aurora, Illinois passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family Sunday, September 15, 2024 at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. She was born September 13, 1946 in Corozal, Puerto Rico.

Carmen worked in environmental services at Copley Hospital and Mercy Hospital in Aurora for nearly 40 years before her retirement.

She was a devoted Catholic and parishioner at Sacred Heart Church of Aurora. She enjoyed dancing, gardening and cooking every day for her beloved family --- especially rice.

Carmen was a loving daughter, sister, wife, aunt, mother and grandmother. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Rafael Rivera; four daughters, Carmen Daisy (Geno) Cabral, Denise (fiancé Alex Navarro) Rivera, Dorelis Rivera and Damaris (Dan) Abella; six grandchildren, Geno Cabral, Geovani Cabral, Juvia (fiancé Brian Dorn) Davis, Jordan Radloff, Jazlyn Abella and Alexana Abella; two step-grandchildren, Kiya and Kate Navarro; two sisters, Flor Maria "Sore" Aviles and Margarita "Tuty" Aviles; a brother, Francisco "Tony" Aviles; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Marybell Rivera; her parents, Juana (Fuentes) and Flor Aviles; and three brothers, Sijo, Luis and Juan Aviles.

Carmen's family would like to thank the entire staff at Rush University Medical Center and Journey Care for the professional and dignified care she received in her final days.

Celebration of life visitation will be Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake St., Aurora, IL 60506.

Funeral from THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY will be Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. to Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 620 Fifth St., Aurora, IL 60505, at 10:00 a.m. Fr. Jerome Leake will officiate with interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Carmen's memory to St. Judes Children Hospital.