The following material is being published, unedited, exactly as it was received via e-mail from the office of the government official named below, as a Source community service. Government office holders wishing to contribute to the bulletin board must e-mail visource@gmail.comThe Source reserves the right to choose what is published.
Jan. 5, 2009 – Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen today expressed her deepest condolences to the family of Mrs. Eulalie Rivera, a pioneer Virgin Islands educator, author, storyteller and cultural icon, who died in Puerto Rico on Friday.
"My family, staff and I are deeply saddened and extend our condolences to her entire circle of family and friends at this time of sorrow," said Delegate Christensen. "I am sure that the whole community shares the grief of her family at this sad time, but we are also immensely proud of the accomplishments and contributions she made during her long and precious lifetime."
Mrs. Rivera lived to be 100 years old and her remarkable longevity can be attributed to her strong faith in God and her family's love and care, Christensen said. In 1974 the Grove Place Elementary School in St. Croix was renamed in honor of Rivera's devoted service to education.
In addition to being one of the most dedicated and effective educators in the territory, Mrs. Rivera was also civic-minded, active in politics and passionate about the preservation of Virgin Islands culture, Christensen said. She was affiliated with several organizations and received many awards and tributes for her commitment to education and the community.
