Evelyn Margaret Rivera

Evelyn M. Rivera passed away peacefully on Jan. 27, 2015 after a long illness. She was born in Hollister, CA on Nov. 10, 1929, the eldest of eight children born to Atanacio and Anselma Rivera. She was a professor of zoology, having earned an A.B., M. A., and Ph.D. degrees from the University of California in Berkeley. From 1965 to 1999, she was employed by Michigan State University, her specialty field being endocrinology, focusing on normal and cancerous development of the mammary gland. During sabbatical leaves, she studied immunology with Nobel Laureate Sir Peter Medawar in London and later learned cell cloning techniques at the Salk Institute in La Jolla, CA with Renato Dulbecco.

She was active in community activities and in regional and national scientific societies, serving as president or chairperson of several organizations. Outstanding activities which demonstrated her concern for and support of women and minorities include her service as a faculty intern in the office of the president of MSU, her service as president of the Asian Pacific American Women's Association and her participation for many years in the summer research programs for minority students. Notable awards which reflect the above activities include Outstanding University Faculty Woman Award (1992) and the Excellence in Diversity Award (1997).

Evelyn enjoyed traveling to France annually to visit friends and after retirement enrolled in French cookery classes in Paris for several years.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by sisters Katherine Rivera, Jane Sawyer (Tom) Viki Baker (Steve); brothers Andrew, Benjamin, Romeo (Rosalie), and Douglas Rivera and 27 nieces and nephews. Evelyn will be greatly missed by family, friends and colleagues whom she loved and who loved her in return. The family wishes to thank the staff at Sparrow Hospital for their diligent care and treatment of Evelyn.

A celebration of her life will be held at the University Club (3435 Forest Road, Lansing, MI) on Tuesday, March 3, 2015, 5:15-7:15. Please consider a donation to the Dr. Evelyn M. Rivera Scholarship Fund, c/o APAWA (Asian Pacific American Women's Association), 1500 N. Magnolia Ave., Lansing, MI 48912, or to a charitable organization of your choice.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman East Lansing.