Yolanda Rivero

“I’ve been still for too long. I feel restless. I need to go try new things, meet new people, eat different food, and wake up to new sights and sounds. It’s time to go; my heart is being called by the stars again” @yolyrivero

If I could say goodbye, I would tell you that I laid down to sleep on that last night and left in peace and without pain. I closed the door to my past, and when I woke, I opened the door to my future and stepped into my new life. Know that I loved you and that I am free from fear, free from pain, free from all sickness and am dancing to Latin and 80’s music. When you think of me, know that I am taking peaceful walks on the beach and going on long drives in my dad’s old Mustang with the music blasting. My Dad is riding with me with and Snoopy – of course! Remember me and smile and know that I am smiling too. I know that you loved me and know that I loved you too and that a part of me will always be with you as you carry me in your hearts and in your memories.

On Sunday May 10, 2020, our beloved Yolanda Rivero passed away in peace.
Yolanda Rivero was born on May 11, 1971 to Alberto and Aida Rivero in Forest Hills, Queens. Her beloved father Alberto Rivero emigrated from Las Tunas, Cuba and her mother emigrated from Yauco, Puerto Rico. She attended Mary Louis Academy in Jamaica Estates and graduated as Valedictorian in June 1989. She was awarded a full merit scholarship to New York University where she attained her BA in Economics and Psychology in 1993. As a young child, Yolanda dreamed about becoming a lawyer, and accomplished that goal at Albany Law School in 1996 where she was awarded the Diversity Scholarship. During her legal training she interned at the Legal Aid Society and Prisoners Legal Services. She was a credit to the legal profession and worked in the real estate, bankruptcy and labor & employment fields. She represented many clients throughout her career with diligence, compassion, integrity and impeccable attention to detail. She volunteered her legal services at NYCLA for Bankruptcy.

Yolanda had an innate purity and innocence that shone through her eyes and smiles which if bestowed upon you, never failed to uplift your spirits and light up your day. She had a loving and trusting heart which led her to make many, many long lasting and treasured friendships. If you were fortunate to have been chosen as Yolanda’s friend, you basked in the glow of her attention, her loyalty, her unwavering steadfastness, constancy, support and love. She was passionate about 80’s music, the beach, dressing like Audrey Hepburn, dancing and Zumba (of course!), long drives and her friends. She developed a passion for Zumba over the last few years and in addition to participating in classes, she became a certified Zumba instructor and embraced the Zumba community and made it her own. She loved Affirmations and posted them constantly to motivate herself and all her friends. She had the softest manner and voice, and was always patient and was always kind. She was flawless, fierce, loyal and always so full of love.

Yolanda joins her beloved father, Alberto, in heaven. She is survived by her loving mother Aida and brother Alberto. She was a beloved Aunt to her nieces, Milani who is 15 and Tyler who is 8, for whom she is a shining example of female empowerment. She leaves behind many memories and friendships with a beautiful circle of loving friends who were family and who will continue her legacy of love and light.

Unfortunately, due to current circumstances services will not be performed at this time. We will, however, plan memorials to celebrate Yolanda’s life in the days and weeks to follow. In addition, we are planning on establishing a scholarship fund in her name and would request that in lieu of flowers, if you so desire, a donation be made in her honor.

“Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy.” @yolyrivero