Theresa Lynn Rivera, age 59, of Bridgeport, beloved wife of Robert Rivera, entered eternal rest with her Lord on January 11, 2026. Theresa was born in Bridgeport on January 28, 1966, to the late Mitchell and Dolores (Mangler) Golembeski and has been a lifelong area resident. She was a graduate of Stratford High School, Class of 1984. She retired from the Stratford Board of Education after serving 36 years as a secretary. An avid sports fan, she enjoyed soccer, UConn basketball, football, and baseball. She cheered for the Giants and loved the Yankees. Theresa and Robert enjoyed spending time in the garden, experiencing God’s presence among nature. Theresa sought to be a light to all she met, and generously shared her joy with the world, even to her final days.

She was predeceased by her brother, Bobby. In addition to her devoted husband and companion of 29 years, Theresa is survived by her sister, Patricia Ruskin (Golembeski), her husband Brian; brother Walter Golembeski, his wife Erica; her cherished nephews, Christopher Ruskin and his wife Elizabeth; Sam Ruskin; Ben Ruskin and his wife Lindsey; Sonny Ruskin; and Seth Golembeski; her loving Godmother, Aunt Beverly Mangler; many cousins and countless friends. Theresa’s family would like to thank Yale New Haven Health and Smilow Cancer Center who fought alongside her, and all those that prayed for her.

“Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord.” Psalm 150:6

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 19th from 4-7 at Adzima Funeral Home, 50 Paradise Green place, Stratford, Connecticut, with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. All other services are private