The Northglenn and Latino community is mourning the loss of a beloved leader who died recently at her Northglenn home in an apparent murder-suicide.
Lucille Ruibal Rivera, 70, died Nov. 18. A funeral service is planned from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 8 at Latina Funerals and Cremations, 3020 Federal Blvd., Denver.
Northglenn police responded to a call on Delaware Court at about 9 p.m. Nov. 18. Officers found Rivera and an adult male dead inside the home. According to CBS News, a family member said Rivera and her boyfriend were breaking up, and he ended both their lives.
Rivera served on the Northglenn Arts and Humanities Foundation (NAHF) Board and was a former member of the city’s Diversity, Inclusivity and Social Equity (DISE) Board.
She also served eight years as executive director of the nonprofit Chicano Humanities and Arts Council. A former Denver Health clinic administrator, she also helped launch what is now known as the Tepeyac Community Health Center, which provides health care to underserved populations. The clinic grew from a 750-square-foot space in a house into a 25,000-square-foot facility providing services to thousands.
Rivera was also well-known as a photographer.
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“I used to call Lucille my abuelita,” said Michael Stricker, Northglenn’s arts, culture and community manager. “Even though we weren’t related, that is the way she was with people. She made you feel like family. And like a grandmother she was protective, never held back her opinion, and always asked how you were doing.
“What made her stand out though was her passion. Passion for her culture, family, advocacy, and for art. It’s now our responsibility to carry on her story.”
City Manager Heather Geyer knew Rivera both through her work for the city and as a neighbor.
“One of fondest memories I have is hanging out in her front yard one evening this past summer with her and her new puppy, Nala and my pup Kyla,” she said. “Lucille loved her dogs and especially her new puppy. She always radiated light and love in our neighborhood. We have felt this tragic loss. She will be deeply missed.”
Brenda Gurule, executive director of the Chicano Humanities and Arts Council, said she helped keep the organization alive and growing.
“She believed deeply in the legacy of CHAC and the need to pass down this legacy to future generations,” she said. “Her deep commitment to CHAC was instrumental in the recent acquisition of a permanent home for CHAC back in the Santa Fe Arts District. Her strength and tenacity helped ensure CHAC’s survival through the COVID-19 crisis.”
Northglenn city staff shared a quote from Rivera’s NAHF board application, which they said made her stand out as a candidate.
“I believe that my purpose in life is to be a servant, something that I have done in different ways my whole life,” she wrote. “I feel honored and humbled to be able to serve in my community if given the opportunity.”