Memories of Evelyn "Evey" Rivera-Willoughby | Ever Loved

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In memory of

Evelyn "Evey" Rivera-Willoughby

Coconut Creek, FL, USA

July 2, 1951 - February 3, 2021

Jul 2, 1951 - Feb 3, 2021

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David Rubin

Evelyn has been a dear friend, support and inspiration to Adie and me for several decades. Evelyn and Ian have always been the warmest, most authentic, and most encouraging leaders we have known. The highest compliment we can bestow is that Evelyn was a true disciple of Ikeda Sensei, and embodied all that he has taught us. We will miss her enormously... David and Adie Rubin

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Judy Garcia Quinonez

Nhi Truong

My Dearest Evelyn, words can’t express how much I appreciate your presence in my life! I’ve learned so much for your fighting and caring spirit. I love you!

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Lauren Schwartz

Judy Garcia Quinonez

Joanne Brownrigg

I am so happy to have known you as my friend working together for the ‘peace of the land’. For so many years we worked together in the bookstore and had never met until finally at an FNCC Conference about 7 years ago, I got my first big warm hug from you! 🥰 I will see you again, my dear Evelyn, in my next life to continue our mission together to raise wonderful Bodhissatvas of the Earth! My deepest condolences to Ian and family 💝

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Lauren Schwartz

Please consider a donation to Soka Gakkai International- USA (SGI-USA).

$4,203.00

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mary ann sowah

Mary Ann Sowah and sons — The Bronx, NY

Evelyn and I have been friends for 35 years. She was not only my friend; she was my “Myoho Sista,” my strength and my light.

Those of you who know her, know what a force she was in our lives. Evey had a wonderful, contagious smile that lifted you no matter how down you were feeling, her spirit — soothing and inspiring. She was full of encouragement no matter what you were going through, steadfast, supportive and always there to lend a helping hand or to give you nudge.

Several times, when I contemplated quitting my Buddhist practice, Evey would uplift me with guidance and always tell me, “Never Give Up!” I’m still practicing Nichiren Buddhism after 46 years on 2/9/21. Yes, Evelyn, you have that great effect on us...challenge ourselves and obstacles no matter what...Win, Win, Win!!!

When we first met, my older son was much younger and had asthma. Evelyn would always make herself available to take us to the hospital (after so many meetings) in he “red chariot.”

The last time we were together was Nov. 26, 2019 when she was in NY for Thanksgiving. What memorable hours those were before she and her awesome, hubby, Ian, went back to Florida.

We captured everything we’ve gone through in those precious hours — love, heartbreaks ad heartaches, sadness, happy times; (great trips o FNCC, being her roommate (2x) at FNCC. I told her I was a snorer, she told me that I didn’t snore, amazing! Maybe she chanted that I didn’t; my son’s asthma lessened, great SGI trips, events, behind the scenes activities, concerts, shows, great benefits and much more);
we laughed, we cried, we recounted everything we had been through in our lives.

As much as Evelyn loved her friends, she also loved her family deeply. Overall, she loved unconditionally. And no matter what we were going through, she was supportive and instilled in us the mantra, “Never Give Up.”

I will miss my “Buddhaful,” lovely friend — Evelyn Rivera Willoughby.

Rest In PEACE, My Dear FRIEND and “MYOHO SISTA!!!”

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Angie Willoughby

Anabella Aguilar

Evelyn’s memorial video

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Sandra Bensliman

angel williams

Every time I saw you, I told you how happy I always was to see you.
I never told you why. When I first moved here from LA, it was easy
to find an SGI meeting, but the first time I met you I felt like I was home.
Your heart and wisdom was the hug that healed, the home to which we
return and the love that never ends.
I miss you already.

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Joanne Brownrigg

Shared a heart

RODERICK NEWBALL

Our deepest condolences to you upon the passing of Evey. We are sending healing prayers and comforting hugs

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Donna Lutz

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Vivek Kumar

Our heartfelt condolences to Ian and family. Evelyn will alway remain in our thoughts & prayers for living a Buddha's life. May her soul Rest In Peace. NMRK!

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Lauren Schwartz

Cusoveliko Salaman

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Dario Irizarry

No se si dar el pesame o cantar de alegria porque Evelyn era una de las personas mas alegres y bellas que he conocido en mi vida Dear Ian I offer you my most sincere thoughts if there was a couple that were so happy and united those were you and your beloved Evy Angie and Alex be proud of the woman who brought you into this world and she will wipe any tears that comes to your eyes she loved both of you with all her soul take care of your dad and enjoy Ian every day he is a great father I still remember the times I met when you lived in Puerto Rico I intend to join the service or the video conference If this will not be the times of COVID I know Evelyn's memorial would have lasted several days for the many many people and lives that she touched I was thinking of playing the sitar for her in short video let me see if I can do it if not I play a prayer in my heart for her and that will be daimoku and gongyo those were her favorite sounds NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO Gracias Evelin fue un gran honor conocerte

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Grace Guerrero

Thank you dear Evelyn and my deep condolences to Ian and family.

This was the last encouragement I received from Evelyn. Her high spirit and her ever young smile always illuminated our encounters. I will always treasure this message from our dear mentor:

"Courage-this is the key to winning in life. Courage gives the strength to overcome trying and painful times. Nichiren declared: "Life flashes by in but moment. No matter how many terrible enemies you may encounter, banish all fears and never think of backsliding ". (WND 1, p395). Life is either win or lose. More important than hundred intelectual theories is that we actually win. Prayer is the most powerful "weapon." If we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with all our hearts and continue to make efforts to challenge our situation, we will definitely WIN in the end. Our goal is that single word: VICTORY. Let ultimate victory be ours! Aiming for that day, let us advance together harmoniously, resolutely united in the spirit of "many in body, one in mind". (Embracing compassion vol 1 p102)"

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Carla Kelly

Shared a heart

Loba Hubbard

Shared a heart

Jean Sidwell

Dearest Ian & Family,
We extend our heartfelt condolences to you all. Evelyn will be fondly remembered for her "beautiful personality, beaming smile and courageous, compassionate and constant support/encouragement of so many people! We will miss her dearly and will honor her memory by striving each day to carry-on her wonderful legacy.
Sending Love & Prayers, Jean & Chris Sidwell

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Jean Sidwell

2016, Cape Coral, FL, USA

Jean, Ellen & Evelyn-They drove over 5 hrs round trip to visit me during my cancer treatment!

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Eleanor Cheffer

Naples FL

Evelyn with Central Naples District

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Comments:

Eleanor Cheffer

Open. The one word to describe our beautiful Evelyn. She always received you with an open heart and open ... Read more Open. The one word to describe our beautiful Evelyn. She always received you with an open heart and open arms. She would come ... Read more Open. The one word to describe our beautiful Evelyn.... Read more

Ellen Lewis

Wholehearted condolences to Ian and your grown kids. I have such happy memories of Evelyn in the early days of our practicing together as YWD. She always acknowledged me for teaching her gongyo! We had so much fun so many campaigns, struggling and winning together. She loved Ian and loved her children. Beautiful woman inside and out.
Always in my heart

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Reiko Bailey

Thank you very much for everything, Evelyn!
I will never forget about your sincere heart, your encouragement, and your spirit with Ikeda Sensei. You moved my heart and changed my life. Thank you for giving me such wonderful COPH sisters. We will miss you so much... but we all will become happy & win!
Thank you, Evelyn...
Arigato my eternal myoho mom! :)
See you in the next Buddhaful life!

Love, Reiko

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Reiko Bailey

2019, FNCC - Florida Nature & Culture Center / Soka Gakkai International-USA, Manatee Isles Drive, Weston, FL, USA

My Myoho Mom & Me!

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Miledys Tamarez

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Miledys Tamarez

Randy Guardado

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Comments:

Randy Guardado

I had the great honor of Evelyn giving encouragement at Miramar District Meeting - December 2018 2 months... Read more I had the great honor of Evelyn giving encouragement at Miramar District Meeting - December 2018 2 months before the pandemic ... Read more I had the great honor of Evelyn giving encouragement... Read more

Randy Guardado

Evelyn, my dear friend, thank you so much for all your kind words of encouragement support for Miramar District, always so caring & compassionate in all her actions for Kosen Rufu & a great example of a disciple of President Ikeda 😊🙏🏼

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Natalia Villegas-Jones

Nashira Rawls

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Created with love by Angie Willoughby (Evelyn's daughter).

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