Elizabeth M. “Goly” Vega

She was born June 30, 1956, in Jayuya, Puerto Rico, the daughter of Wilma (Cosme) Rivera of Dunkirk and the late Raul Rivera.

A resident of the area for most of her life, Elizabeth was a graduate of Dunkirk High School, class of 1974 and Hilbert College in 1978.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband, Justo Melendez Vega; one son, Andre (Annie) Melendez of Jamestown; two stepdaughters: Maria (Kenneth) Porter of Dunkirk, and Lissette (Ken) Williams of Florida; one stepson, Eddie Melendez of Jamestown; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and her siblings: Irene Rivera of Dunkirk, Raul Rivera Jr. of Dunkirk, Milagros (Luis) Alvarez of Florida, Emma Rivera of Jamestown, Carmen (Harry) Echevarria of Dunkirk, and Mildred Szach of Dunkirk.

Besides her father, she was preceded in death by two sisters: Magdalena Fred and Maria Rivera; two brothers: Hector and Jose Rivera; and her nephew, Christopher Haase.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, April 12, from 5-7 p.m. at the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home, 736 Central Ave., Dunkirk. A funeral service will be held immediately after the calling hours at 7 p.m. Deacon Michael C. Lemieux will officiate.