Dolores Marie Anderson-Rivera

Dolores Marie Anderson-Rivera, born March 13, 1946, in Evanston, Illinois, passed away on March 9, 2026. Known affectionately as “D.J.” for Dolores Joy, she lived a life defined by resilience, warmth, and an unwavering commitment to her family and community.

Raised by her mother and grandparents who had fled the turmoil of Russia, Germany, and Poland, Dolores inherited a deep sense of perseverance. Her father’s Scottish and Dutch ancestry, which included ancestors who fought for the Union in the Civil War and helped settle the American West, further shaped her character. From an early age she helped raise her two younger siblings while excelling in school, first at an all-girls Catholic high school and later at DePaul University. She began working at fourteen as a waitress, learning early the values of hard work and service that guided her throughout her life.

Dolores broke barriers in a male-dominated field, becoming the only female lead garage foreman at an Illinois Bell line yard. She climbed telephone masts, managed complex projects, and earned the respect of her team through her intelligence, leadership, and dedication. She later rose to the position of Midwest regional manager for AT&T. Her professional accomplishments were matched by her devotion to family. A single mother, she cheered at her son’s sporting events, attended his concerts, fished with him, and planned memorable vacations for family and friends. She cared lovingly for her own mother until the end of her life and quietly provided for families in need throughout the year.

In retirement, Dolores opened a Keller Williams real estate brokerage with her son, mentoring new agents and supporting real estate investors. She traveled to South America to deliver wheelchairs to children in need and remained active in volunteer work and charitable giving. Even after facing the challenges of amputation and glaucoma, she continued to uplift those around her with her optimism and zest for life.

Dolores was a guiding presence for her family, a beloved aunt to her nieces, a cherished grandmother to her grandchildren, and a source of inspiration to many friends. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and joyful determination that will continue to guide all who knew and loved her.