Jan Rivera

Jan Rivera (née Jan Graham Confer) was born on June 24, 1950, in Mansfield, Ohio, and peacefully passed away on June 23, 2026, in Rockville, Maryland, one day shy of her 76th birthday.

 

Jan lived a life defined by unwavering faith, selfless service, and a determination to leave every place she encountered a little better than she found it. Her relationship with God was the foundation of her life, and she devoted countless hours to serving both her churches and her community. She faithfully served as a pastor at Flower Hill Church of the Brethren for many years and remained an active member of Livingstone Church of the Brethren and Northeast Pentecostal Church. Whether volunteering with church ministries, supporting charitable organizations, teaching English and reading skills to new immigrants, or serving as a substitute teacher at her children's school, Jan found joy in helping others.

 

For a period during the late 1970s, Jan served as a Food Safety Investigator with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Her commitment to protecting public health and improving restaurant sanitation earned her the distinguished honor of receiving a Key to the City of Houston in recognition of her work.

 

Jan was also a gifted entrepreneur. For approximately four decades, she owned and operated Casas Real Estate, where she built a respected property management business while pursuing her passion for real estate investing and home rehabilitation. She had a remarkable ability to see beauty and potential where others saw only hard work, transforming properties through vision, creativity, and perseverance.

 

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jan found happiness in traveling, tending her gardens, and spending time with those she loved. Above all else, she treasured her family. Her many beloved grandchildren were among her greatest joys, and she delighted in watching them grow while encouraging them with her love and unwavering support.

 

Jan remained deeply grateful for the enduring friendship she shared with her former husband, Nelson Rivera. Though their paths eventually diverged, they continued to hold one another in the highest regard. His unwavering support and willingness to care for her during her final illness reflected the deep respect and affection that remained between them throughout the years.

 

Jan is survived by her son, David Zuazua; her daughter, Cristina Zuazua; her beloved stepchildren, Dilcia Navarro, Sandra Hernandez, Carolina Hernandez, Carlos Hernandez, and Jose Hernandez; and many cherished grandchildren, along with countless friends, fellow church members, and all whose lives were enriched by her generosity and steadfast spirit.

 

Those who knew Jan will remember her for her deep faith, generous heart, unwavering resolve, and tireless commitment to serving others. She lived with purpose, loved without reservation, and gave of herself freely. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the communities she served, and the many lives she touched through her kindness and compassion.

 

A memorial service celebrating Jan's life will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Livingstone Church of the Brethren, 114 North Cedar Street, Cumberland, Maryland 21502. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather in remembrance, gratitude, and celebration of a life so faithfully lived.