Wilga M. Rivers

Of Watertown, Professor Emeritus of Romance Languages at Harvard University, died suddenly at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. She was an internationally reknowned scholar and author, and one of the first women to be appointed to a full Professorship at Harvard. Born in Melbourne, Australia, Professor Rivers was the daughter of the late John and Nina (Lehmann) Rivers and the sister of the late Lynda Rivers, and Regg, Less and Harald Tanner, also of Melbourne. She is survived by her sister-in-law Bess Tanner and a niece Christine Levey of Melbourne, a nephew Michael Tanner of Sydney, Australia, a niece, Laurelle Hardt of Los Angeles, CA and several grand nieces and grand nephews in Australia. Funeral from the Faggas Funeral Home, 551 Mt Auburn St, WATERTOWN, MA on Saturday, July 7 at 10 AM followed by services at the Church of The Good Shepherd, 9 Russell Ave (corner of Mt Auburn St) WATERTOWN at 11 AM. Visiting hours on Friday, July 6 from 4-8 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations in her memory may be made to the above named church. A Memorial Service will be held in her honor at Harvard University at a date to be announced. For online guestbook go to www.faggas.com Faggas Funeral Home 800-222-2586