Petra Rivera

Born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico on Aug. 1, 1934, she was the daughter of Andres and Juana (Bentancourt) Astacio.

Petra married Miguel Angel Rivera on July 3, 1959. He predeceased her on Feb. 28, 2006.

Petra had been a resident of Saranac Lake for several years, making her home at 60 Church St. In recent years, she lived with her daughter Jenny in Tupper Lake. Petra was very religious and was an active member of the New Hope Church in Lake Placid.

Petra was a petite but strong, quiet woman who enjoyed a good laugh. Her children and grandchildren treasured her joyful singing that always provided comfort at just the right moment. She loved her family dearly and had many friends that loved her. She enjoyed helping others, and when she could, she volunteered with the Meals-on-Wheels at Church Street, Saranac Lake. Petra always had a smile for any who met her and will be missed by all who knew her.

Petra was mother to six children and is survived by three daughters, Jenny (George) Matthews of Tupper Lake, Dora E. Connor of Staten Island and Katherine (Robert) Fiorino of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; one son, Michael Rivera of Rochester, New York; one brother, John (Carmela) Bentancourt of Long Island; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Petra was predeceased by her two sons, Miguel Angel Rivera Jr. and Alvis Duran Rivera; two sisters, Dora Casanova and Cecelia Conde; and two brothers, Pastor Astacio and Angel Astacio.

Calling hours will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30 at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home, 20 Church St., Saranac Lake. A funeral service will immediately follow at the funeral home at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Michael Dukette officiating. Burial will follow in St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Saranac Lake.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Adirondack Medical Center Oncology Department in the care of the funeral home.

Family and friends can also share their condolences and memories at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.