Francisca Rivadeneira

January 29, 1925 - August 29, 2021

Francisca (Chavez) Rivadeneira, age 96 of North Lauderdale, FL passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 29, 2021. Francisca was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador to the late Juan and Marina (Flores) Chavez. Francisca came to the United States in 1967 and worked at Jonell Shoes and New Balance as a seamstress until her retirement from Community Day Care in Lawrence, MA where she was a daycare provider. Her love for the children she cared for was unparalleled. She treated these children as if they were family. Not one birthday or Halloween would go by without her making it a special event for each and every one of them. For many years, she would receive letters or cards with updates of their lives for their beloved “Francisca”. Francisca was a loving wife and a proud and inspirational mother who dedicated her life to caring for her family and helping those in need. She was a model of strength, determination and courage. Francisca and her late husband, Jose, moved to the US, leaving family behind, to make a better life for their children. They lived the American dream and considered the US home. Bita, as she was affectionately called by her family, will be greatly missed but her fierce spirit will live on in those she left behind. Jose Rivadeneira, Francisca’s husband of 70 years, passed in 2012, but they are survived by their children, 16 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild: Gladys V. and her husband, Jose J. Alvarado of FL; Jose S. Rivadeneira of PA; Sonia J. Velez and her husband, Hipolito Jr. of Washington State; Jimmy Rivadeneira of NH; Ruth K. Aviles and her husband, Walter of Methuen; Monica G. MacLean and her husband, David, of FL and ME. Friends and guests are invited to call on Monday, September 6, 2021 from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence St. Methuen. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St. Monica’s Parish, 212 Lawrence St. Methuen. Interment to follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Francisca’s memory may be made to Greater Lawrence Community Action Council (GLCAC) Child Care Center. For online condolences please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Rivadeneira Family.