Anne M. Rivela

Anne M. (Castiglione) Rivela, 85, of Methuen, MA passed away Saturday, October 1, 2018 at Lawrence General Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Born and raised in Lawrence, she was the daughter of the late Salvatore and Carmela (Morello) Castiglione.

Anne was a graduate of Lawrence High School. She worked at an insurance company as an underwriter until her retirement. She was a warm, loving, compassionate, kind woman who always thought of others first. Mom would be first to help wherever needed without question or complaint. I always said I don’t know how she did all she did throughout her lifetime. She was just simply amazing. She never seemed to tire out, especially when it came to her family. Anne will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Her most treasured moments were times spent surrounded by family and friends, be it at home for holidays, especially Thanksgiving, which was always her favorite, and what a spread she put out. She loved to cook, which made Market Basket a daily regimen, so she could prepare delicious meals for her loved ones. She also enjoyed cross word puzzles, slot machines, sporadic trips to Florida or Foxwoods, attending Andre Rieu concerts with her grandson Jeffrey, and enjoyed all the times he would play violin for her. He was always by her side and was his best friend and he was her pride and joy. Calling her on his way to work and on the way home every day was his favorite thing to do. She was the most important person in his life and was always there no matter what. Jeffrey’s love for her ran deep and true, and no one will ever be able to fill the void of his Nana.

A place she also loved was at our house in the backyard on her favorite swing. She would come for dinner and that would be her place to enjoy sitting with me and my husband and sharing time together.
Whenever she moved, she didn’t care how it happened or how small the apartment would be; her hutch which she had for over 50 years was going with her and to this day it sits in her apartment.

As a mother and “mother-in-law,” her love and kindness blessed our family. Her sweet nature would rub off on anyone she met and was always regarded as 'Mom" by all who were lucky to greet her. She was my mom but her motherly bond and friendship with MJ will always have a special place in my heart. Jacki was so fortunate to have a Nana like her. She always made the holidays extra special for the grandchildren. Jacki and her Nana shared a love of Disney and were fortunate to have gone to Disney World together a few times. Jacki’s fondest memories were sleep-overs and cutting coupons, watching scary movies, and nanas famous chicken soup with rice. Nana’s influences on Jacki’s life molded her into the woman she is today. She will miss her dearly and those times together will be forever treasured. We love you, Mom/Nana, and always will….Rick, MJ and Jacki.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, S. Joseph Rivela.

Anne is survived by her loving children, Robert Rivela of Methuen, Cathy A. Rubino and her husband, Joseph of Methuen, Richard Rivela and his wife, Mary-Jo of Windham, NH; her cherished grandchildren, Michael, Crystelle, Jacqueline, and Jeffrey and his partner, Spencer Butterfield; and only sister, Sally Higginbottom of Pelham, NH. She also leaves behind her niece, Susan Bradis; her godchild, Stephen; many wonderful grandnieces, nephews and extended family members, and special friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Friday, October 5, 2018 from 2:00-8:00 PM at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley St., Methuen. Her funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at Corpus Christi Parish at Holy Rosary Church, 35 Essex St., Lawrence. In lieu of flowers, donations in Anne’s memory can be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.