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Dr. Nan T. "Nanette" Rivers
Dr. Nan T. "Nanette" Rivers
Obituary
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Nan Rivers Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
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Cheryl Howard
January 23, 2022
Nan,
It has been 18 years and I still miss you and think about you quite often! You were an amazing person, well beyond your years and I thank you so much for the amazing memories we shared!
Until we someday meet again my dear friend!
December 6, 2013
10 years now and we miss you each day. Life has gone on, but there is always a hole in our hearts. I love you Nan. Mom
Bruce Rivers
September 6, 2012
Michael Starts the 10th Grade this week. Your imprint on him is so apparent. We are so grateful for the time we had with you. I was lucky and remain so in so many ways. We miss you more than anything but still talk about you and think about you as if you'll walk through the door any minute. While you may be in the heavens, you live in our hearts. We will always love you.
Julie Brinkmann(Jopp)
September 4, 2012
Nanners,
It still breaks my heart to think of your departure and the what if's...especially what if I would have called more often? You made a world of difference in my life and I think of you often. It is the first day of school today and I remember waiting for you to walk to the bus or to high school. So many memories...Love you tons! I am always here for your family to share some of my fond memories of you growing up, Call sometime Micheal- your mom was a beautiful person!
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December 8, 2011
Nan,
I think of you often. I regret not reaching out and keeping in touch. Bruce and Michael are in my thoughts as I wish them both peace and healing.
AC - Las Vegas
July 27, 2011
It has been some time. I think and talk to you almost everyday. Our son is growing up. he misses you terribly. He is 14 and a size 12 (shoe). He is not the little boy that lost his mother on that day but he cries out for you. You are loved and missed. Bruce
March 20, 2011
I think of Nan often. I hope she knew how much she meant to so many.
February 23, 2011
Your family remains in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you and yours.
September 13, 2009
I just heard about Nan. I went to high school with her and worked with her for a short time at Home Free. She was one person I wanted to see at the reunion last year. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to your family
Lisa
May 29, 2009
Nan and I were friends back in junior high. We used to have so much fun together. I am so happy to read about her accomplishments. I am so sad that we never kept in touch. My thoughts are with her family.
Carrie Kehnle
December 12, 2008
I will never stop thinking of you. I miss you every day and love you so much, Nan. Thank you for showing me so much.
December 31, 2007
Wishing you peace in the coming year.
July 26, 2007
You are in our thoughts.
March 5, 2007
As the months pass you continue to be in our thoughts. God bless.
January 4, 2007
You are still missed.
December 6, 2006
Thinking of you today and everyday. God Bless you.
A C
September 7, 2006
Even though we lost touch I think of you often. I will always remember your drive and ambition.
July 19, 2006
Life just isn't the same without you. I miss you terribly and think of you often.
June 12, 2006
I wish you peace.
January 11, 2006
Another year begins. You are still thought of dearly and truly missed!
December 6, 2005
I never learned "why", so I create reasons in my mind to explain it. I make up the parting thoughts you shared because I never read them. You left this world, but I still see your face when I close my eyes. I didnt even know you that well... did you anticipate this effect?
November 8, 2005
You are still in our thoughts and prayers.
March 28, 2005
I think about Nan's son a lot and wonder how he is doing. Please let Michael know that people are praying for him and wishing him happiness and a peaceful heart. May the years ahead bring him closure rather than sadness and confusion.
December 6, 2004
Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. Sometimes I miss you so much it's hard to breath.
December 3, 2004
Nan, we still miss you...
Linda Vigen
May 19, 2004
Happy Birthday in Heaven
Nan, We love you and have missed you every single day since you left us. Not a day goes by without us thinking about you, especially in May, the month in which you were born and when we honor special Mothers like you.
We are so proud of all that you accomplished in your life despite the obstacles you had to overcome. We think about you now and always, celebrating your life and the gifts you gave us all.
We pray you have found the peace and tranquility you were searching for and deserve. Love Your Family
Sarah Collier (Reese)
January 4, 2004
Nan,
If I would have known that day was your last,
I would have called,
I would have come,
I would have hugged you one more time.
If I would have known the days with you here were ending,
I would have written,
I would have shared,
I would have been okay with all of your questions.
If I would have known the number of days I had before my sister was gone,
I would have talked,
I would have prepared,
I would have shown my love in a way that you understood.
But, I never got to say good-bye.
Oh, how I long for the days of Smurfs and record players.
The days of you visiting us and borrowing my clothes.
The days of talking about that one bond we shared that we wouldn’t have wished upon anyone, endometriosis.
Still, I never got to say good-bye.
You were a second mother to me at times.
You tried to protect me and teach me all at once.
You will always be remembered and loved.
I just wish I could have said good-bye.
Good-bye, Nan.
Love, your sister.
Heidi Baham
December 25, 2003
Nan….I miss you so much. You were such a huge part of my life. I will always cherish the memories of the times we shared. Sipping lattes and talking for hours, laughing so hard we nearly peed ourselves, our road trips, vacations, summer nights talking over the deck wall, days at the spa, and just being girls. Every outing was an adventure with you. I will never forget that time after the Prince concert; your feet were sore and swollen from the “on sale, gotta have them” new shoes. Knowing it was a long 1-mile walk to the car we swapped shoes. You complained about how my shoes were so heavy, clod hoppers I believe you called them. I complained how your shoes were hard to walk in due to the high narrow heal, and lack of toe room. So that long walk back to the car we made jokes about one another’s shoes….after all they were as different as you and I, but served the same purpose. Finally we were at the car and you turned to me and said “ I guess we can judge each other now, since we’ve walked a mile in each others shoes.” We laughed the whole way home about it. That night was a classic example of the many good times we had. You will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Michael, Your mom was the smartest, funniest, most caring person I have ever known. I look forward to sharing with you the memories of the times we shared. Nik and I love you so much, and are here for you always.
Alex Nordstrom
December 19, 2003
May God bless all who suffer by this tragic loss. I lost my mother at age 12, so I know that only family and friends can fill the void. Love, Uncle Alex
Bruce Rivers
December 19, 2003
I will always think of Nan as my wife. She was a good mother and while we had some bad times, we had many good times. We rode my bike from New York to Las Vegas. Her death is so tragic. I wish I was a better husband to her. She had a laugh that made you laugh. A smile connected to her eyes. Not a day will go by without thinking of her and what she would think of this or that. Her imprint was on me and our son. He will miss you most of all. She was the smartest, quick witted, hell on wheels broad I ever met and she was the only woman I ever loved. A big part of me died when she did. I hope she is at peace, I hope she can rest, I hope she is flying with the angels driving them nuts with her sense of drive and humor. Knowing Nan, she is in the process of reorganizing God's kingdom. I love you Nan.
Bruce Rivers
Sandy Nelson
December 16, 2003
My deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to everyone Nan has touched. She will be missed but not forgotten in all our minds as well as our hearts.
Marie Dolson
December 15, 2003
I remember the day you were born, the day you were married, the day you had your child, the beautiful woman that you became. No one could ever replace you. There is a void in our family now that you are not with us.
Love Aunt Marie
Leeann Jorgensen
December 15, 2003
Nan's contribution to MPA was as leader in assuring attendees had fun as well as work was a joy to all. She will be missed
Reba Glidewell, Ph.D.
December 15, 2003
I worked with Nan through Capella University and want to send prayers to her family and friends. May she now be at peace.
Dr. Reba Glidewell
Barb Rivers
December 13, 2003
Nan was always a joy to have around at family events. Her laugh was contagious. We are all sad and my heart and prayers go out to Bruce Michael and Michael. We are forever here for you.
love, Barb
Sheldon Kleine, PhD
December 12, 2003
I was a colleague of Nan's at Capella University.
My deepest sympathy for your loss.
linda reese
December 12, 2003
Bruce and Michale,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I already wrote to Nan directly, but this is for you. I totally understand what you are going through and my heart goes out to you and your son Michael. Words cannot express the emotions that will be felt in the coming months and years, but I do want you to know that when you are ready, you are more than welcome to come and visit your family here in New York.
We would love to have you. We have always loved you and remember with great memories the special times we had together.
So please know that we are with you even though we cannot be there. God bless you and Michael.
We love you
Linda Reese
Sheree Bewick
December 11, 2003
The spirit of Dr. Nan Reese Rivers will live on and she will not be forgotten by many. May she now rest in peace.
Susan & Robert Enlow
December 11, 2003
My husband Robert and I are both MS student's at Capella, and though neither one of ever meant Dr. Rivers, we are deeply sorry for the loss her family and son have experienced. I only hope I can be as successful in the field of Psychology as she was during her short life.
Sue MS Addictions Psychology
Robert MS Human Services Certificate Addictions Psychology
Kathe Lemmerman
December 11, 2003
Nan was a delightful, caring person. She and I shared some of the fun moments of life - weddings, baby showers, afternoons at the lake, Halloween costume ideas, etc. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, especially Michael.
Ann Rivers/Menard
December 11, 2003
Nan,
If you could only read this guest book. So loved and so respected for all that you did for so many.
You will always be my sister, no matter what the past holds. We are all at a loss and left wondering so much. I hope you knew we cared and loved you.
God Bless you, Michael, family and friends as we try to understand this tragic loss so young, so talented and so loved, too soon you left.
Love to you,
Ann, Steve, Ashley, and Andrew
Tom Busyn
December 11, 2003
This is a very sudden loss. I pray for Nan's son Michael and hope he gets guidance from his mother. She will be missed by those that knew her. She was, from what I remember, a great person with a strong head on her shoulders. Her family will be my prayers. She is safe in God's hands. God bless Nan.
Tom
an old friend
Helen Gish
December 11, 2003
My sincerest sympathy to family of Dr. Rivers. She will be greatly missed at Capella, and by all the students. My prayers are with you.
Molly & Bryan Baldwin
December 11, 2003
Linda and Dale,
Our whole family is saddened by this loss. Please let us know what we can do. We love Nan very much and will miss her greatly.
Michael,
Your mom was a wonderful person and she loves you very very much. We are here for what ever you need. We love you.
Antie Molly and Uncle Bryan
Bruce Michael,
We know know how much you love Nan and she knew it too. You and Michael are in our thoughts and prayers every second of every day.
Bettye Jones
December 11, 2003
Prayers to family and friends. Dr. Rivers will be greatly missed.
William Butler
December 10, 2003
I met Dr Rivers last December in Scottsdale. She always responded to my telephone calls with a sense of humor and understanding of the Learner's efforts. My condolences to her son, parents, and friends.
Libby Wilder
December 10, 2003
My thoughts and prayers are with Michael and the whole family. Although I only knew Dr. Rivers for a short period of time, she was an inspiration!
Erich Reese
December 10, 2003
Nan, you were and always will be my Sister even though we may have not been in close contact through out the late years. I'm very sorry, and will miss you. You and Dad will never be forgotten. I pray that Bruce and Michael will have no more hardships to go through. I do love you and you'll always have a place in my mind and heart. Your brother "Ear-ache".. Erich Reese
Kathy Morelli
December 10, 2003
To the family of Dr. Nan:
I met Nan at a residency in June for Capella University. She was an energetic, determined person who was willing to listen, and help others. I was looking forward to working with her on my field placement this January. Sorry to have missed you this January...
God bless you, Michael, you had a wonderful mother.
Sincerely, Kathy Morelli
Capella learner
the gn She will be missediShe
Patty Herbst
December 10, 2003
Nan had a great smile and a wonderful laugh. My condolences to all friends and family.
Linda Reese
December 10, 2003
Nan,
You were my step daughter. Although we have not see each other in a while and we have had our ups and downs, I will treasure the times that were spent with you in my life.
I will see that smile and hear your voice always. I always loved you Nan,despite the distance and the disagreements. I have known you since you were 3, you were Rick's blood and you became my step daughter who I grew to love. I am so sorry for the times we could have spent talking instead of disagreeing. I just wanted you to know that I too will miss you very, very much. I have tons of pictures to look at of the years spent growing up with you and my boys. I hope you have the peace you obviously were searching for.
You will always be in our hearts and memories along with your dad
With love always,
Linda, Michael, Peter and Erich Reese
Libby Wilder
December 10, 2003
I send my very deepest sympathy to Michael and Dr. Rivers' family. Dr. Rivers was an inspiration to me, and I am sure to the many other students with whom she came in contact. I pray that God watches over all of you.
Libby Wilder
Gail Lyle
December 10, 2003
My prayers are with you all in this time of sadness.
Chevette Alston
December 10, 2003
You are and will be greatly missed.
michael fischbach
December 10, 2003
I knew Nan in college and I enjoyed her company. She was a fun person to be around. I felt it a privilege to have met her even for a short time.
Heidi Rivers
December 10, 2003
Nan was a woman that encouraged success and compashion. She will be dearly missed and always remembered fondly.
Bernadette Boozer
December 10, 2003
I continue to be shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of such a talented and energetic person. Dr. Rivers was truly a model of professional determination and her presence at Capella will certainly be missed. I send my condolesences and prayers to her family.
August Wehner
December 9, 2003
I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Rivers this past June at a school residency. She was very dedicated to her job and seeing that the students at Capella succeed. She and her inspiration will be missed. My deepest sympathies go out to her family and her son.
Olga Prusak
December 9, 2003
My sincere condolences to your entire family.
Dr. Nan will be remembered and missed in many ways but perhaps most of all for her ability to selflessly add to the successes of others.
Tara Malec
December 9, 2003
My deepest condolences go out to Nan's family and son. She was a very determined woman who had so much to offer to the field of Psychology. Her absence will certainly be felt by all who knew her.
Sirenna Brown
December 9, 2003
I pray that Michael will be well and that he has many people around him to help in through these very difficult years without a mother.
Kristin Wegner
December 9, 2003
Sending my deepest condolences to Dr. Nan's son and to her Family. She was an inspiration.
Kristin Wegner
PhD learner, Capella University
Natashya Sherbot
December 9, 2003
Dr. Rivers was truly an inspiration for aspiring psychologists. As Director of Training, she had very high standards, was always helpful, fair and went the extra distance to ensure your success. She will be missed very much and has definitely left an imprint on this learner about what to strive towards. My deepest condolences to her son and family.
Natashya Sherbot
Capella Learner
Matana Morin
December 9, 2003
Dr. Rivers came to Capella at a very difficult time and took over a very difficult position. She was a standup person in my book. I will always appreciate her encouragement and evaluation of my practicum placement. This is a tragedy and she will be sorely missed.
Maisie Nelson
December 9, 2003
Linda:
My deepest sympathy go to you and your family. I will keep you in my prayers. May God be with you during this difficult time.
Maisie
Rachel Girling
December 9, 2003
I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to the whole family. My prayers are with you all.
Cory C. Williams, DMin
December 9, 2003
"May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon them." My prayers are for Dr. River's family, and most especially to her son.
Pearl Barner II
December 9, 2003
Nan was a creative, innovative and deligent worker for psychologists in Minnesota. We will miss her. My heartfelt sympathies to her son, family and other love ones.
Patrick & Erika Rivers
December 9, 2003
Nan will forever be 30-something in our minds and hearts: young, beautiful, talented, full of life, and always giving of herself. She was a very accomplished woman, who defined her crowning achievement as the birth and life of her son. She had so many gifts to share. Michael, as long as you are a part of our lives, we will pass on to you the wonderful memories and gifts she left with us--as openly and freely as she gave them. Our love, Uncle Pat and Aunt Erika
Mary Courter
December 9, 2003
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Dr. Rivers. She was a beautiful, intelligent person whom I admired greatly. My prayers are with her family and her son during this difficult time.
Mary Courter
St. Augustine, FL
Capella University Student
Laura Ehlert
December 9, 2003
Nan you were an inspiration to me with your energy, spirit, enthusiasm and your unique ability to unite people for common good. You will be missed in the field of psychology, and as a friend who was generous and giving.
Laura Ehlert
Nancy Brosemer
December 9, 2003
I met Dr. Rivers at a Capella residency this past June in Minnesota. I was impressed with her knowledge and her willingness to help. She was an inspiration to me and will continue to be. My prayers go out to her son Michael as well as her family. She touched so many in her short life and she will never be forgotten.
Paula (Mayer) Beaner
December 9, 2003
I am on old friend of Nan's from Job's Daughters in Wayzata and ran into her with her son just a few years ago. To learn of her success' since I had seen her last was wonderful! I pray for her son Michael and her family. She is truly an inspiration to all who know her!
Camille Shea
December 9, 2003
Dr. Nan Rivers was a credit to her gender and all professionals. I always admired her spunk, dedication and spirit. She was tough and dedicated and yet she gave grace---but ONLY when I HAD to have it. Thanks for all those emails Dr. Nan!
Camille Shea
Ph.D. Candidate
Capella University
Heidi Pearson
December 9, 2003
I had the pleasure to work with Nan and I know she will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers to your family.
Patti Williams
December 9, 2003
I met Dr. Rivers through my education at Capella. It brought sadness to hear of her departure. My first thoughts went to her young son. I pray that he will grow to know that his mother was a very determined and talented woman who loved him very very much.
Blessings,
Patti Williams
Lee Shampang
December 9, 2003
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your precious Nan. My prayers are with you and little Michael.
God Bless You.
Lee Shampang
Bobbie Osterman
December 9, 2003
I was fortunate to meet Dr. Rivers this past March at a residency for college. I will miss her as I know numerous other college students and colleagues will. I am very sorry for your loss.
Bobbie Osterman
MS Counseling Psychology, learner
Capella University
HASOP Club President
Gretchen and Neal Kingsley
December 9, 2003
What a tragic loss. Our deepest condolences.
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