Margaret Rivers, of Brooklyn, NY passed away after a decade long battle with cancer on June 8, 2015 at the age of 63.

Margaret was born to parents Herman and Mary Dove on November 7, 1951 in the Bronx, NY. She was the fourth of 5 children and preceded in birth by Enosh, Kenneth and Larry. Peggy, as she was warmly referred to, was the first of two daughters, the second Christine died in infancy.

Margaret attended Evander Childs High School, married in 1972 to Allen Rivers and shortly thereafter had two children Iasha and Wali.  As a divorcee and single parent Margaret was committed to continuing her education to provide a comfortable lifestyle for her family. She simultaneously held down a full time job as she attended college and later graduated with a Bachelors in Health Science from Brooklyn College.

During her time as a college student, Peggy met a young professor, they would go on to have a multiple decades long loving relationship as life partners.

Her career was not established quite yet after graduating but the apple didn't fall far from the tree.  Peggy's drive for service was sparked by her mother Mary Dove, who was a Nurse's Aide at New York Hospital.   As a young woman, Margaret had several internships in various departments in that same facility. Those internships, coincidentally, helped her realize that her calling was in the administrative side of hospital life.

Margaret Rivers enjoyed a rich career in healthcare beginning with Goldwater Memorial Hospital in 1983 as a patient representative from 1991-1993 she was elevated to Director of Patient Relations. She subsequently was offered a position as the Assistant Director of Risk Management for the Bronx Lebanon Special Care Center.

With a passion to further contribute more to the healthcare profession, she left that position to further her education. After receiving her Master of Public Health Administration from Hunter College, Margaret went on to work as Administrator at the Jewish Home and Hospital at Beth Abraham Health Services and at the Holy Family Home. In 2010, she returned to her roots at Coler-Goldwater Hospital, where it all started.

Margaret was a licensed a Nursing Home Administrator, a Certified Dementia Practitioner and prided herself on her latest incarnation in healthcare by way of  "Culture Change" —giving the hospital a more home-like feeling for patients/residents. She truly was committed the the comfort and care of "her residents".

After a busy day of work, Margaret treasured her quiet time, she enjoyed reading books and watching old movies. She also loved the outdoors, particularly hiking and traveling. Her last vacation in Indonesia was especially momentous as she ticked "riding an elephant" off of her bucket list!

Margaret managed to squeeze in time for the Health Executives Club and the Black Long-Term Care Executives Group, she networked, mentored many and gave freely of her time to those in need. She will be missed by her many friends, colleagues, patients and family. She leaves to mourn two children Iasha and Wali Rivers.

Additionally, Andrew, Bree, Zaire, Johnny, Tiffany, and Jazari grieve the loss of the matriarch of their family known to them as "Moma". She is also survived by her brother and a host of other relatives and friends. May you finally have the peace and comfort that you so selflessly provided for others.

Lovingly Submitted,

The Family