Mary E. Rivers

Mary E. Rivers, a lifelong area resident, passed away Thursday Nov. 20, 2025, at the Northwestern Medical Center with her loving family at her side.
Born in St. Albans on December 3, 1936. She was the daughter of the late Oscar and Loretta (Boucher) Patterson. Mary was 88 years old.
Mary was a 1954 graduate of Bellows Free Academy. On January 8, 1955, she married Bernard Rivers in St. Mary's Catholic Church. She was employed at Wm. & Doolin's, she then owned and operated Syl-ette's Clothing store, and later changed the name to Kids' Stuff. After selling her clothing store, she went on to work at IBM, where she retired from in 1997.
She was a member of the BPW, Jaycees Wives, Home Den, and The Red Hat, Purple Dress Club.
After retiring, Mary and Bernie very much enjoyed their 14 winters in FL. She enjoyed knitting, reading, and doing word searches. She was well known for her baked beans! She always looked forward to her Sunday dinners with her family. Mary was especially proud of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, as they were her world! She looked forward to receiving her daily cuteness pics.
She is survived by her children, Michael and Tina Rivers of Franklin, Patricia and Jeffrey Collins of Fairfax, Laurie Rivers of Florida, Lisa and Jeffrey L'Esperance of Swanton. Her grandchildren Nicole Beliveau (Aaron), Shannon Collins, Cody L'Esperance (Jennifer), Camden L'Esperance (Emma Duffy), Mallory Boudreau (Seth), Amy Richard; her great grandchildren, Owen and Emilia Beliveau, Madelynn, Carter, Clay, and Avery Jo L'Esperance, Maeve Boudreau, Jacob Longe, and Mikayla Champagne. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, in addition to a special cousin and companion Jackie Hosack.
In addition to her parents, Mary is predeceased by her husband Bernard of 63 years, her sister-in-law Colleen Godin and her husband John, her brother Raymond Patterson and his wife Sharon.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Friday Dec. 5, 2025, from 4 to 7 PM at the Heald Funeral Home, 87 South Main St., St. Albans.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday Dec. 6, 2025, at 11 AM at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 245 Lake St., St. Albans with Father Christopher Micale as celebrant. A reception will follow at Holy Angles Parish Center. Prayers of committal will be held at the convenience of the family at Holy Cross Cemetery in the spring.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Camp Ta-Kum-TA, P.O. Box 459, South Hero, Vermont 05486.
Honored to be serving the family of Mary Rivers is Rett Heald of the Heald Funeral Home, where messages of condolence are welcome at www.healdfuneralhome.com.