LAWRENCE - SGT. Yolanda I. (Rivera) Buffum, 43, of Lawrence, MA went to the Heavens on December 5, 2018, after a long battle with cancer.

Yolanda was born on March 8, 1975 in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. Yolanda attended Haverhill Public Schools before joining the U.S. Army in 1998. Yolanda proudly served with the 1058th Transportation Company during Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2002-2003. She was a proficient long haul truck driver and machine gunner. Yolanda was proud to serve her country. Yolanda was loyal, giving and loving person. She always knew how to make people smile and laugh.

Yolanda was a loving mother to Ricardo M. Rivera, Nathaniel D. Daniel and Annelia Y. Daniel. She loved her grandchildren, Julissa, Evalys, King, Analys, and Kaylys to the Heavens and back, and cherished every moment with them.

Yolanda's memory will forever live in the hearts of her many family members. Her mother, Elsa, her stepfather, Juan, her love, best friend and other half, Roscoe. Siblings: Reina, Juan, Luis, Jerome, and Michael.

She now rests in the Heavens along with her father, Juan A. Rivera.

Visitation will be Sunday, December 9, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 So. Main Street, Haverhill from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral Services Monday morning in the funeral home beginning at 11:00 AM. Interment Tuesday with U.S. Army Honors at 1:00 PM, conducted at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Avenue, Bourne. For guestbook, please visit www.driscollcares.com

"When tomorrow starts without me, Don't think we're far apart, For every time you think of me, I'm right here inside your heart"