Judith Michel Rivera

      When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Judith Michel Rivera who was indeed a born warrior. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Judith was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted Judith passed away on May 28, 2021 at USC Kennth Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. Judith was diagnosed with Stage IV Colon cancer on October 16, 2018. She fought hard and received the very best care with oncologist, Dr. Lenz and Nurse Taline at USC.

She

She is survived by her daughter, Juliana Adriene, her husband, Jeremy, her mother, Juliana Michel, her brother, Amo’s Herr, and her nephew, Diego Herr. Services were held at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetary in all Souls Chapel. Judith was laid to rest in Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetary in The Guadalupe Garden.

All who knew her would agree that Judith was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Judith Michel Rivera did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.with Judith knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

      Judith was born on May 28, 1981 at Los Angeles General Hospital in Los Angeles, Ca. Her parents were Juliana Michel and Gabriel Rivera. Judith was raised in Colton, California. Even as a youngster, Judith learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

      As a young girl, Judith was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Judith was raised with one sibling. She had one older brother, Amos Herr. Judith had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Judith, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.

      Judith's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Judith enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Judith took part in AVID and Band. She was a girl scout.

      In school, Judith was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve good grades in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Judith was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. Judith’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” She graduated from Colton High School in 1999. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. AVID. The teachers she enjoyed learning from the most was Mrs. Potterton and Mrs Shaw. AVID and Band.

      Judith’s practical work ethic carried over into her college years. Her logical mind permitted her to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. She would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Judith’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped her stay on track but often put her ahead of schedule. When Judith saw the need or benefit, she would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. She earned a double bachelors in sociology and Spanish at Cal State Stanislaus and Cal State San Bernardino. She also pursued graduate school, earning her Master of Education and very close to her doctorate in education from National University. Her favorite professor was Dr Pine. She was a member of Lambda Sigma Gamma.

      Judith was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Judith was a member of a group, her interaction worked to keep the others grounded. She wasn’t afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, she challenged them. Those close to Judith came to know her high standards of performance. Jenny, Elizabeth, Claudia, Shaun, and Jason were her very close childhood friends. In college she went on to meet her sorority sisters and made life long friends with Nuvia and Minerva. She also stayed very close with her dear friend Malinda.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Judith reveled in the security of her family. On December 27, 2003 Judith exchanged wedding vows with Jeremy Noland Samson Rivera at the Saint Bernardine Catholic Church of San Bernardino, California. One of Judith’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.

      Judith was ever watchful of her daughter Juliana. She worried about her and was deeply concerned for Juliana’s development as she continues to grow up in today’s society. She maintained a firm hand in Juliana’s upbringing. Judith would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her daughter is properly raised. Judith was blessed with One girl, Juliana Adriene Samson Rivera.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Judith was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Judith was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Judith upheld her standards. She was a teacher for almost 20 years. She worked the last ten years in Redlands Unified School District. She spent 3 years at Redland High School and the last seven at Citrus Valley High School.Judith was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.” Judith taught her last class at Citrus Valley High School on May 21, 2021.

      Judith approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various tasks.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Judith used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. Judith traveled to over 20 countries and 37 states and 23 national Parks. Judith fell in love with Ireland.

      Judith was a lover of dogsand cherished her pets. One of Judith’s favorites was Her teacup Chihuahua Joey and her Chihuahua Krystal.