Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Sally Riordan Obituary
She was born in Waterville on July 4, 1960, a daughter of Ernest Page and Juliette (Fotel) Oliver Sr.She grew up in Weeks Mills, graduating from Erskine Academy in 1978. She then attended Thomas College, graduating in 1982, and then obtained her master's degree in business administration from Thomas College in 1992. She started her teaching career in 1982 at Wiscasset High School, where she met the love of her life, Hugh Riordan, whom she married in 1989. After she left Wiscasset High School, she returned to her childhood home town to teach at China Primary and Middle Schools for the last 14 years.
Sally knew only one way to live; as a person of unwavering faith, spirit and commitment to others. She expressed a deep love for her family. She loved her children with all her heart. She valued her friends, especially her lifelong friends with "everlasting bonds." In sickness and in health she gave of herself to people and community. Her request of us is to remember the "happy moments." She was an active member of Weeks Mills Baptist Church and a participant in her community. She especially loved her work and involvement with children.
Sally was predeceased by her father, Ernest Oliver Sr.; and two brothers, Ernest Oliver Jr. and John Oliver.
Sally is survived by her husband, Hugh, and their two children, Jim and Julie of China; her stepdaughter, Kate Riordan of Topsham; her mother, Juliette and her husband, Dewey Ryan, of South China; a sister, Jean and her husband, Cliff Parlin, of Coopers Mills; brothers George and his wife, Norma, Alton and his wife, Patti, all of Weeks Mills, and Ed and his wife, Kerri of Sidney; sisters-in law, Susan Starr of Scarborough and Judie and her husband, Kent Willette, of Yarmouth. Also surviving are nieces Kristin Macisso, Tammy Sawyer, Kelly Cowing, Stacy Oliver, Amy Oliver, Ashley Oliver, Lindsey Oliver, Paige Oliver, Chelsey Oliver and Shawna Oliver and nephews Robbie Oliver, Wayne Parlin, Dennis Parlin and Alex Oliver.
The family wishes to thank family and friends for their support and prayers during this difficult time. Friends who wish may make memorial donations to the American Cancer Society, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086-1240.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14, at China Lake Conference Center, in the Sukeforth New Life Center, China Neck Road, China. A celebration of Sally's life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at China Lake Conference Center with the Rev. Charles Hibbard officiating. Directions to the conference center can be found at www.chinalake.net. Burial is to immediately follow the service at Chadwick Hill Cemetery, Route 32, South China. A gathering of family and friends at China Primary School follows the ceremony. Arrangements are by Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road (Route 32), Windsor.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sally Riordan
Andrea Lord
September 26, 2007
Dear Riordan family,
My sincere sympathies on your loss. Sally was an inspiration for me from the moment I met her. I was fortunate to be able to teach with her and to learn from her. She was sensible, kind, fun-loving and a consummate professional. Her loss will be deeply felt.
Tricia Faulkingham Bursey
September 15, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Miss Oliver was my favorite teacher and my inspiration to become a business education teacher (I teach in Bath). I still remember the day she showed us her engagement ring and the smile that was across her face. Hugh, Jim, and Julie - she was a wonderful person and I am so happy I had the chance to have her as a teacher. She has never been forgotten.
Deb Lewis
September 13, 2007
My deepest and heartfelt thoughts and sympathy are extended to Sally's husband, children and family. Having grown up in Weeks Mills as Sally and I did, our families have known each other for many, many years. The memories of haying and playing basketball in the barn on the Oliver farm are very vivid. Weeks Mills Bible School vacation, George being the school bus driver, Choir practice at Doris Jones' home on Wednesday evenings, George being on the Weeks Mills Fire Dept., being educated together with Sally at China Elementary and graduation from Erskine Academy. My own children going to school with George and Norma's children. My thoughts are with all of you during this painful time.
Emily DuPont
September 13, 2007
I'm so sorry for your loss. She was a great person and one of the best teachers that I had at China Middle. She will be greatly missed.
Wendy (Bulger) Chapman
September 13, 2007
When I first heard of Sally's passing, I couldn't help but think that it is an incredible loss for those of us still here. She was such a remarkable woman. She demonstrated such love and kindness. She left a lasting imprint on the lifes of many including mine.
I had the pleasure of working with Sally at China Middle School. Her patience with people and computers was astounding. Her quick wit and incredible intelligence earned her respect from everyone who knew her.
My sincere condolencses to her husband, kids, and family. May God bless you and your family with His peace and love. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl Mara
September 13, 2007
To Hugh, Julie and Jim,
I am so sorry for you loss. I had the pleasure of getting to know Sally through the China schools and with our girls. She will be missed by more people than you can imagine. She touched so many people with her cheerful demeanor and her can-do attitude. She was an inspiration to all of the children she taught- and their parents, too. I hope the Lord brings you comfort. Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you in what must be a very difficult time.
Keith Seago
September 12, 2007
Hugh, our sincerest condolences for the loss of Sally. Our prayers are with you and your family. Given what so many who knew her have said, I know that she will be missed by not only her family, but the community and everyone this special lady came in contact with. Most sincerely, Keith Seago
Dianne (Althenn) Lane
September 12, 2007
My deepest and sincere condolences to Sally's family. She was not only a wonderful teacher to my children, but such a lovely person. She will be sadly missed by many.
Christine (Rice) Thomas
September 12, 2007
Hugh and Family,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Sally was a true inspiration and a role model to many of us that had the pleasure of being in her classes in Wiscasset High School. She was a great teacher, class advisor, and cheerleader coach. She will be missed.
Karen Thibodeau
September 11, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of sorrow. I will always treasure the memories of Thomas College. She was a remarkable person and a true friend. God Bless,
Sandy Beams
September 11, 2007
Hugh, I am so sorry for your loss. Sally was such a wonderful person, and a blessing to be around. My prayers, and thoughts are with you, the children and your entire family.
Angela Miller (Hatch)
September 11, 2007
Where do I begin? Sally was a wonderful teacher...I enjoyed all my typing classes and business classes she taught. She wasn't just a teacher she was much more...She will be sadly missed...I am sorry for your great loss!
Melinda Simon
September 11, 2007
My deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences go out to Sally's family as well. I too am a "lifelong friend" from our days at China Elementary through graduation at Erskine, our time playing field hockey together to organizing our most recent class reunion. Sally was a wonderful, positive person who will be remembered and missed by many but most especially her friends with whom she shared a deep connection. She will be in our thoughts when planning our reunions to come. We will definitely miss her organization and attention to detail.
April Foster
September 11, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. Sally was a great person,and teacher. She'll be greatly missed.
April Blake Foster, WHS 1990
Farmer and Debbie
September 11, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are will each of you. Sally was a very special person, always full of energy and a cheerful smile that would light up anyone's day. She will be sadly missed but always remembered.
Paulie Heath
September 11, 2007
Dear Riordan Family,
My deepest condolences to you. I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Sally as a devoted wife and mother. She faithfully brought Julie to piano lessons at my home for 4 years. What a nurturing mom. Sally even started out learning to play piano with Julie, so she could help her practice at home. I cherish the memories. You are a wonderful family. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this very sad time.
Ann Kinney 1986
September 11, 2007
God Bless the family at this time. Sally, was a true inspiration as a teacher and person. She was absolutely one of those teachers that make a difference.
Wendy Brann
September 11, 2007
My thoughts & prayers are with you all. Sally was a very special person & friend I have known my entire life. We may not have seen each other all the time since school ended, but each time we did meet, I was greeted with her awesome smile & friendliness. She would take the time so stop whatever she was doing & chat for awhile. I am honored to be one of her "lifelong friends". She will be missed.
Wayne Applebee (Pres. WHS 86)
September 11, 2007
My heart and thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. I have very fond memories of high school years! She was a wonderful person and commited teacher/class advisor to us (WHS 1986). I attrubite alot of my success by the fine example she displayed to me. I know she will be greatly missed by all.
Mike Roddy
September 11, 2007
I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to you, Sally’s loving family. My prayers are with each of you hoping you will find peace in all of the positive memories you have. I’ll always remember as a kid coming to Maine on vacations with my family seeing Sally’s beautiful smile and how outgoing she was. She always took a moment to acknowledge everyone around especially the kids. She made everyone feel welcome. I remember most recently when my Dad was diagnosed with cancer and was having a bad day, Sally stayed after work helping him mop the floors at the school. She told him she grew up on a farm and wasn’t afraid of hard work. He was so touched by her generosity. Please be thankful for the time with Sally. Do not be afraid to shed a tear. God bless each one of you.
Carol Johnson
September 11, 2007
Riordan family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.
Renee Jordan Lane
September 11, 2007
An awesome teacher and a very special person, she will always be remembered for her kind heart. My thoughts and prayers to all.
Wiscasset High Class of 1987
Marsha & Chelsea Flye
September 11, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sally's smile will always be remembered.
The Hoague Family
September 11, 2007
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Cheryl Michaud
September 11, 2007
My sympathies to all of the family.
As a college friend of Sally's I will always remember, with much love, the fun times, the special moments and that "everlasting bond". She was a special friend.
Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
Make a Donation
in Sally Riordan's name
Memorial Events
for Sally Riordan
How to support Sally's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Sally Riordan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
