It is with the deepest sorrow that the family of Natividad “Nati” Sweetser, aged 83, announces her passing in the early morning of May 20, 2026.

Known lovingly to many as “Nati,” she was born on June 23, 1942, in (Las Marías) Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, to the late Carmen (nee Miranda) and Pablo Irizarry. As a teenager, she followed her father to the mainland United States, first spending a brief time in New York City before eventually making her way to New Jersey and later settling in Stone Ridge, where she built the life and family for which she became so deeply known and loved. Her Puerto Rican roots remained central to who she was throughout her life, especially through her cooking, music, language, and deep sense of family and community.

Earlier in her life, Nati worked for many years as a factory seamstress, skills she carried naturally into her home life through sewing countless handmade comforts for those around her. She later devoted much of her life to home and childcare work with families in Monticello and Rhinebeck, NY.

Outside of work, Nati found joy in gardening, dancing, music, sewing, barbecues, and time spent with family and friends. She loved Spanish music, lively gatherings, and cooking for the people she loved. Her Spanish rice, lasagna, and pasteles became signature dishes remembered by generations of family and friends. She also enjoyed crabbing when she could and appreciated the simple peace of being outdoors near the water.

Her faith remained important throughout her life, and when her health allowed, she attended Our Lady of Lourdes Church.

Earlier in her life, she shared and raised a family with the late Ricardo Rivera, with whom she had her children Yolanda “Yoli” Lopez and her husband Edwin of Humacao, Puerto Rico; Ricardo “Macho” Rivera of Tampa, FL; Alejandro “Alex” Rivera and his wife Melanie of Brandon, FL; and Jilberto “Bert” Rivera of Tampa, FL.

In 1986, she married Lawrence Graham “Major” Sweetser in Nutley, NJ, and together they welcomed Lawrence Graham “Larry” Sweetser Jr. of Austin, TX.

She has been reunited in passing with her husband, Lawrence; and her brothers; Pablo Irizarry Jr. and Manuel “Neco” Irizarry.

She was also a beloved grandmother to 15 grandchildren and a cherished great-grandmother to 11 great-grandchildren.

Natividad is also survived by her siblings Angel Luis Ayala “Wichi” Irizarry, Eneida Holster, Grace Gonzalez, Millagro Irizarry, Rene Irizarry, Rosa Fleche, and Sol Maria Diaz, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dearest friends.

Nati will be remembered for her resilience, generosity, laughter, cooking, music, and the way she brought people together.

She will be laid to rest alongside her husband at Fairview Cemetery in Stone Ridge; the date of services is to be determined.

Arrangements are under the care of Humiston Funeral Home; on behalf of the staff we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends during this time of loss. It has been our honor to serve and support you as you celebrate a life so deeply loved and warmly remembered. May cherished memories bring comfort, and may you find strength in the love of family, the support of friends, and the lasting legacy left behind.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Natividad’s memory to Dahlia Flower Market and Mercantile in Kerhonkson, New York.