Anna Margaret Rivera (Brennan) lived by a simple philosophy: life is a whole lot better when you're looking at it through rose-colored glasses. If you knew Anna, you've probably heard her say exactly that more than once-and she truly meant it. Even in chaotic, uncertain times, she chose kindness and hope. Kindness wasn’t weakness—it's how she survived.

Born on September 29, 1949, Anna had a heart for caring for others. She attended the University of New Mexico and went on to become a Registered Nurse.

She loved a competitive game of gin rummy (especially if she was winning), late-night drives with no particular destination, and finding a great place to eat. She believed that some of life's best conversations happened in the car after dark, and that almost any problem seemed a little smaller after a good meal and a good laugh.

She leaves behind her children, Michelle Rivera, Steve Rivera, Jonathan Rivera, and Jessica Bonner and her husband, Wayne; and her grandchildren, Matthew Bonner and Eliana Bonner, who could always make her smile.

She now joins those she missed dearly: her beloved husband, Justino Rivera; her son, Justin Rivera; and her mother, Doris Brennan. Knowing Anna, the reunion was probably loud, full of hugs, and followed immediately by someone asking, "So...where are we going to eat?"

If you'd like to honor Anna's memory, gather the people you love, order dessert even if you weren't planning to, play a few hands of gin rummy, go for a drive with no real destination , and tell stories that make everyone laugh until they cry. She would have wanted it that way.

Her laughter may be quiet now, but the joy she left behind will echo in our hearts forever.

Family and friends are invited to join together to celebrate Anna's life on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the mausoleum chapel located in Somerset Hills Memorial Park, 95 Mount Airt Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920.

The inurnment of Anna along with her husband, Justino, will take place immediately after the gathering.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Fucillo & Warren Funeral Home, 205 South Main Street, PO Box 515, Manville, NJ 08835.