Josephine Caroline Rivers

Josephine C. Rivers, 91, of Milford, beloved wife of the late James G. Rivers, passed away peacefully, with her family at her side on August 2, 2021. Born on June 16, 1930 in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late Giuseppe and Michaelina Cavallaro.  

Jean or Jo as she was also known, moved to Milford, CT with her family when she was 16 years old and had been a resident here most of her life. Jean was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.

Jean worked as a data entry clerk at Milford City Hall and Milford Hospital and she also worked at Dr. Kerin’s office. She was a quick and efficient worker, a good friend, and a snappy dresser.

Jean and Jim were members of the Fayerweather Yacht Club, where they enjoyed many parties and dances with friends and family. Jean was interested in crochet, crafts, traveling, and her Girls Walking Club. She was an excellent cook. Kindness and courtesy towards others were essential to her and she taught us these qualities by her example. Jean will be missed by all; we were blessed to have her in our lives.

Josephine leaves behind her children, Deborah (Jeri) Stumpf, Cynthia (Barry) Lawless, Carolyn (Charles) Alling, Michelle (Patrick) Sullivan; grandchildren, Nicholas, Christopher (Jessica), Michael (Holly), and Douglas (Maria) Chapman, Stephanie (Tara Moore) Lawless, Devin (Jon) Arpaia, Connor (Katherin Gallego-Ramirez) Lawless, Katherine (Joseph) Alling and Alessandra Alling, Shane (Taylor Keegan), Jake (Alyssa Lewandowski), and Jamie (Billy Chalk) Sullivan, Tanni Stumpf, and Tori (Jason Battle) Plyler; great grandchildren, Reilly, Carter, Aubrey, Jazmyne, Jayden, Adam, and Mila Chapman, Briana Stumpf, and Amanda Plyler; great-great grandchild Paislee; siblings, Ann Helwig and Peter Cavallaro; brother-in-law, Joseph Stramondo; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members including Frank Frio of whom she was especially close to.

She was predeceased by sisters, Mare Cavallaro, Mary (Tom) DiNatale, and Louise Stramondo; sister-in-law, Claire Cavallaro; and brother-in-law, Ernie Helwig.

Family and friends may gather on Friday, August 13, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Cody-White Funeral Home 107 Broad Street, Milford, CT 06460. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Mary Church (Precious Blood Parish), 70 Gulf St., Milford (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH). Interment will follow at Kings Highway Cemetery, 271 Cherry St., Milford. 

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