Dorothy Irene Rivera

Dorothy Irene Rivera peacefully gained her angel wings on May 24, 2026.

Dorothy was born on May 19, 1944, in Del Norte, Colorado, to Arthur and Lillian Velasquez. Together they raised nine children in a small town, and the siblings remained incredibly close throughout their lives.

On June 12, 1965, Dorothy married the love of her life, Claude Rivera. Together they moved to Ogden, Utah, where they raised their two children, LaDawn and Dino Rivera. They later settled their roots in West Valley City, UT.

Dorothy built a career with Harmon’s Grocery, where she later retired. When Dorothy wasn’t working, her time was dedicated to bowling, golfing, and her most treasured pastime — caring for her precious grandbabies, a love that continued through three generations.

She stepped in to help raise her great-grandchildren, Taniell, Jayce, and Elijah, providing not only a home, but unconditional love, guidance, and support.

Dorothy found joy in life’s simple comforts — sitting with a cup of coffee, drinking a Cherry Coke, enjoying her favorite smothered burritos from La Frontera, and snacking on Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups while watching the Game Show Channel, along with yearly summer trips to Del Norte to visit her family.

Grandma’s house was where we went to fill our bellies, be reminded how beautiful we were in her eyes, and listen to the stories she loved sharing about her childhood and her years as a young mother.

Above all else, Dorothy loved her family. Every sacrifice she made, every prayer she whispered, and every hardship she endured was done out of love for the people she cherished most.

Dorothy is survived by her two children, LaDawn Gygi (Chris) and Dino Rivera (Michelle); her grandchildren Bryan, Mindy, Tallin, Joey, Connor, Gage, and Cameron; her 10 great-grandchildren Taniell, Kaila, Jayce, Myah, Elijah, Khloe, Asher, Nixon, Anthony, and Milo; and her three great-great-grandchildren Uriah, Alaya, and Naieli.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Lillian Velasquez; her beloved husband, Claude Rivera; granddaughter, Anissa Rivera; sister, Marjorie Gillespie; and brothers, Robert and Anthony Velasquez.

Dorothy’s love, strength, and selflessness will live on through the generations of family she devoted her life to caring for.

A viewing will be held June 14, 2026 from 6-8PM at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, UT 84092. Another viewing will be held June 15, 2026 at 11:30AM, following a Mass at 1PM located at St John the Baptist Catholic Church, 300 E 11800 S, Draper, UT 84020.