Istra H. Rivera Obituary (1951 - 2025)

Ms. Istra Herminia Rivera (Jimenez) entered eternal rest on Friday, April 11, 2025 at the Clara Maass Medical Center. She was 74 years old and a resident of Newark, NJ. She bravely persevered despite a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and always maintained a sense of joy and adventure. Although her chronic illness robbed her of her mobility, Istra never turned down an opportunity to dance - often fabulously and confidently off-beat. Visiting will be in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona on Tuesday, April 15 from 4 to 7 pm. A Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 16 at 10 am. Born and raised in Santurce, Puerto Rico, Ms. Rivera moved to NYC, NY when she was 14 and then lived in Hudson County working full time and raising her family prior to moving to Newark 15 years ago. She earned a BA from Jersey City State College and a Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University. Istra was proud to achieve her certification as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and dedicated her life to working in the Mental Health and Special Education school system fields. Her career as a social worker included roles as a Behavioral Specialist/Child Study Team member for the Passaic Public School System and a Clinical Director and consultant for prominent Psychotherapy Consultancy organizations. She was fiercely proud of her children and her grandchildren. Her pasteles and arroz con pollo were legendary among the people lucky enough to be gifted a Tupperware full. Every event was an opportunity to dress up and be festive. She relished donning holiday themed costumes, hats, scarves and sweaters. Her fun and mischievous nature will be sorely missed by all who loved her. Ms. Rivera is predeceased by her son, Gus Demetroudis and sister, Isabel. She is survived by her children, Alexander Demetroudis, Sarina Knoetig (Louis), Lianiz Sandusky (Jonathan); grandchildren, Veronica Demetroudis, Athena Demetroudis, Sarah Knoetig, Logan Knoetig, Luke Knoetig, Stella Knoetig, Jude Sandusky, Adora Sandusky, her siblings, Jesús, Franco, Rafael, Ligia and Clara, and her many beloved nieces and nephews. A donation in honor of Istra’s commitment to continuous learning and education may be made to the Verona Public Library Foundation at veronaplfoundation.org or the Verona Foundation for Educational Excellence at vfee.org/ways-to-give. Condolences, memories and pictures can be uploaded to this obituary page.