Cindi Rivara, 82, of Stillwater, passed away on Monday, February 19, 2024, at home, surrounded by her loving family. She possessed a romantic spirit and had an infectious sense of humor she shared with everyone around her. She was honest, saw the best in everyone, and was a gift to all.
Cindi was born in City Island, New York, to Ester and Walter Grevesmuhl. She moved to New Jersey in 1969 before settling in Swartswood, over 25 years ago. She taught at Fredon Township school district for 25 years with her sister Nina Heidelberger. Cindi was awarded teacher of the year and lead the coalition to establish her school as a National Blue Ribbon School. She loved nothing more than spending time with family, both at home or in her travels. Her faith was central to her life. She was a sports enthusiast, loved a mouth-watering pastry and never missed an episode of Jeopardy.
Cindi is survived by her husband, Thomas Rivara; her children, Kirsten (Graham) McCulloch, Jill (Bob) Cannan, Pam (Hammy) Gordon, Thomas (Christine) Rivara, Susan (Armondo) DeGuzman; was a devoted grandmother to, Lauren, Bobby, Ilya, Josh, Gray, Annie, David, Rachel and Abby. She was predeceased by her former husband, Frederick Clark, of 19 years and her dear sister, Nina. She is survived by siblings, Sonja Leher and Walter Grevesmuhl.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady Mt. Carmel, 203 Swartswood Rd, Newton, NJ. Interment to follow at Yellow Frame Cemetery in Fredon Township.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to “OLMC FEED THE HUNGRY” Our Lady Mt. Carmel, 203 Newton Swartswood Road, Newton, NJ 07860 or you may use this link to donate: https://www.wesharegiving.org/App/Form/bd341daa-2af1-4ac4-8cbd-e13a797ec0ff
Condolences can be offered to the family online.
