Theresa L. Rivera

She was born on July 28, 1958, in Hyannis, Massachusetts to the late Arthur and Lillian (Abraham) Brandao.

Family was everything to Terri. She was the rock and instilled love, faith and strength into the foundation of her family. She is survived by her husband Buenaventura (Peter) Rivera of 45 years, who introduced her to a culture and island that she fell in love with and made her second home. She was the most loving mother to her children, Buenaventura Peter Rivera II, Teresa Knight, Matthew Rivera and Joshua Rivera. In 1995, Terri became “Nanny”, and her grandchildren became her world. She is survived by her grandchildren, Jaylynn Rivera, Selena Knight, Atiya Rivera, Olivia Rivera, Matthew Rivera Jr, Noah Rivera, Lennox Rivera, Jemma Rivera and great granddaughter Leilani Dubois.

As one of nine children, Terri, “the quiet one”, was an incredible sister and always found ways to bring the family together. She is survived by her siblings Leonna Brandao, Leo Brandao, Mary Lai, Anna Brandao-Hunt, and Marcia Ortega. She was predeceased by her brothers Dennis Brandao, Arthur Brandao Jr and Peter Brandao. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Terri loved children, working as a teacher’s assistant at her sister Anna’s daycare, Brandao Children’s College in Dorchester, she found her passion for teaching. She went on to earn her degree in Early Childhood Education and impressed the hearts and minds of hundreds of children throughout her career with Head Start, Cape Cod Child Development, CDI and YMCA. She was a proud Playmaker and dedicated herself to creating a safe place for children to play, heal, learn and grow.

She was a member of Our Lady of Victory Church and lived everyday walking in Christ. Her faith in God provided strength and ultimately gave her peace.

Services will be held at Our Lady of Victory Church, 230 S. Main St, Centerville, Saturday, March 5, 2022. Followed by a Celebration of Terri’s life at the Elks Lodge, Hyannis.