Lula's Story
Lula’s Story
Lula was born in Puerto Rico. Her parents moved to Milwaukee in the 1950’s during the industrial boom when she was seven years old. Her family moved back to the island in the 60’s but she remained here on the near south side.
Lula was a very beautiful woman, inside and out, who had a boisterous laugh; was dedicated to family & friends; delighted in children; took extreme pride in her home; and most of all, was engulfed in her children.
She raised her children as a single mom in a little house she purchased in Walker’s Point (that house was a beacon of joy for her). She was an assistant teacher at Guadalupe Headstart Center and went to college at night.
She had married Felix (Felito) Rivera when she was 20 years old. They had three children: Felix Jr., Tammy and Ricardo. Although Lula adored Felix, the relationship proved to be too heavy a burden and it eventually led to her tragic end.
Felix was addicted to drugs and involved in criminal activity early on in their relationship and spent most of his adult life in and out prison. Lula spent most of her life hoping for Felito to change and burdened with the ramifications of his life style.
Alcohol became her escape from the destructive marriage and life’s burdens. When Lula was 39 years old she passed away from complications of alcoholism and neglected health problems. Felix was murdered the following year. It is said that even, that even to the end and beyond, Lula could not be without Felito.
Lula’s life was plagued by many of society’s illnesses society:
Lula’s potent love became a rich deposit of strength for many of us. The loss of her presence and potential leadership was unnecessary. The many tears that have and continue to be shed fuel much thought, discussion and action on behalf of other Latina women
Lula was born in Puerto Rico. Her parents moved to Milwaukee in the 1950’s during the industrial boom when she was seven years old. Her family moved back to the island in the 60’s but she remained here on the near south side.
Lula was a very beautiful woman, inside and out, who had a boisterous laugh; was dedicated to family & friends; delighted in children; took extreme pride in her home; and most of all, was engulfed in her children.
She raised her children as a single mom in a little house she purchased in Walker’s Point (that house was a beacon of joy for her). She was an assistant teacher at Guadalupe Headstart Center and went to college at night.
She had married Felix (Felito) Rivera when she was 20 years old. They had three children: Felix Jr., Tammy and Ricardo. Although Lula adored Felix, the relationship proved to be too heavy a burden and it eventually led to her tragic end.
Felix was addicted to drugs and involved in criminal activity early on in their relationship and spent most of his adult life in and out prison. Lula spent most of her life hoping for Felito to change and burdened with the ramifications of his life style.
Alcohol became her escape from the destructive marriage and life’s burdens. When Lula was 39 years old she passed away from complications of alcoholism and neglected health problems. Felix was murdered the following year. It is said that even, that even to the end and beyond, Lula could not be without Felito.
Lula’s life was plagued by many of society’s illnesses society:
- Poverty
- Domestic Violence
- Health care
- Alcoholism
- Extreme stress
- Hopelessness
Lula’s potent love became a rich deposit of strength for many of us. The loss of her presence and potential leadership was unnecessary. The many tears that have and continue to be shed fuel much thought, discussion and action on behalf of other Latina women