Elsa Rivera

Elsa Rivera-Lugo passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on August 12, 2023 at the age of 96. Elsa was an incredible wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who lived a fulfilling life with her family. She was affectionately known as “Tata” by many of those in her life.

Elsa was born in Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico on July 25th, 1927, to Pablo Rivera and Monserate Lugo. She graduated from the School of Nursing in Puerto Rico with a bachelor’s degree before joining the United States Army and completing her training at the Medical Field Service School at Fort Sam Houston. Elsa then served as a Lieutenant in the Army, which is where she met her husband, James. They married in 1952 in El Paso, Texas and then moved to Stevens Point, Wisconsin. They went on to have three children: Yolanda, Peggy and Sue.

Elsa possessed many great qualities, but none defined her more than her humbleness and innate desire to care for others. She loved to spend time bonding and playing games with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Elsa’s love of cooking flavorful meals, willingness to help those in need, and her clever sense of humor left a lasting impression on every life that she touched.