Doris C. Carden

January 13, 2022

Doris C. Galgano Carden passed away peacefully on January 13, 2022, in her home in Mahwah, NJ, surrounded with love by her daughter Rhonda and her partner of 47 years Humberto Rivadenyra. Throughout her life, Doris was the embodiment of resilience, compassion, and loving dedication to her family and all who knew her. Doris was born on August 19, 1941, to Joseph and Vera Galgano in Nyack, NY. She was raised in Piermont, NY, and graduated from Tappan Zee High School. After graduation, she attended Westchester Business School and then took her first job at Lederle Labs in Pearl River, NY. She married Ronald E. Carden who was killed in a tragic accident one day before their daughter Rhonda’s birth. A widowed mother, Doris assumed the role of both parents and built a bond of unconditional love, fierce protection, and unwavering dedication with Rhonda that lasted the rest of her life. In 1975, Doris met Humberto Rivadenyra and he remained her loving companion until her death. He remembers their special connection and is grateful for the life they built together, sharing time with family, friends and their two dogs Ezro and Kiko, in their homes in Mahwah and Smithville. He describes their meeting as a “great experience” and feels the utmost admiration for the woman she was with her strong character, capability, kind spirit, and generosity. To be available for her daughter and maintain a similar schedule, Doris began her 31-year service at Spring Valley High School, initially holding positions in security and transportation and ultimately becoming Head of Security. Doris established the Leaders Club which provided role models for students and assistance to staff members. After retiring from SVSHS, she took a position in Administration at Northern Highlands Regional High School in Allendale, NJ. Along the way, Doris established herself as a loving and caring listener for the students in the school who often needed to express feelings and challenges for which they had no other outlet. She was an inspiring soul and earned a reputation of being “mom to all”, using her humor, sensitivity, and straightforward delivery to help kids stay on the right path and providing a haven for students to share, laugh, cry, and sort out their delicate teenaged emotions. Her keen mix of tough love and gentle acceptance had immeasurable impact on the lives of so many who walked those halls. Doris served the community throughout her life and received many acknowledgements, most notably the Humanitarian Award from the town of Spring Valley for initiating the Sean Coleman Basketball League which created a safe place for children to gather and play basketball in Spring Valley. She also worked as a hot line operator for abused and raped women. Doris is survived and cherished by her daughter Rhonda Carden, her partner and companion Humberto Rivadenyra, her twin brother Dave Galgano and sister-in-law Jean, and her brother Frank Galgano. She leaves a legacy of kindness, caring love, and dedicated service. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project woundedwarriorsproject.org or Guiding Eyes for the Blind guidingeyes.org in Doris’ memory. Fond memories and a celebration of her life may be shared at Edwards Funeral Chapel, 160 Orange Avenue, Suffern, NY on Friday, January 28, 2022 from 4:30-8:30pm. Funeral mass will take place on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 1pm at Sacred Heart Church, 129 Lafayette Avenue, Suffern, NY. Doris’ favorite quote: It’s the deep waves of life that teach us to be better swimmers. ~ Dorothy Parker