Ivelisse Rivera Figueroa, 51, of San Juan, Puerto Rico, passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Lowell General Hospital in Lowell, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, on June 18, 1975, she was the daughter of Virginia Figueroa of San Juan and the late Pablo Rivera. Ivelisse grew up in Rio Piedras, where she was educated and graduated from high school. She lived in Puerto Rico her whole life, most recently in San Juan, and a few weeks ago she moved to Lowell to receive medical care.
Ivelisse worked for many years as a barber. Her skill and warmth made every client feel welcome in her chair.
Anyone who knew Ivelisse knew how much she loved Wonder Woman. The superhero meant a great deal to her, and never more than during her fight with cancer, when she faced each day with the strength and courage of her favorite heroine. In many ways, Ivelisse was a Wonder Woman herself. She was always there for others and put everyone else first, and she was a great friend to all who knew her. She loved crafts and cooking, and she was always making something homemade for the people around her. Her kindness, generosity, and fighting spirit will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her two sons, Steven Andujar of Puerto Rico and Nelson Andujar of Arizona; her mother, Virginia Figueroa of San Juan, Puerto Rico; her sister, Enid Rivera Figueroa of Orlando, Florida; and her nieces and nephews. She also leaves many friends, including Linette Morales of Westford, who was like a sister to her.
In accordance with her wishes, there will be no services.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA 01852.