Mary C. Rivers

1939 - 2026

Mary Corbeil Rivers passed peacefully on January 27, 2026, at the age of 86. She was born March 27, 1939, in Brattleboro, the daughter of Anna and Ulrich Corbeil. She attended St. Michael's School. On June 10, 1961, she married Allen Peter Dearborn and has five children, Jacqueline, Christopher, Alison, Melissa and Jonathan.

Mary will be remembered for her exuberant, fun-loving spirit. An artisan at heart, she was a devoted wife and dedicated mother of five children. With tireless energy and remarkable attention to detail, she created beautiful sewn pieces - from custom draperies to pageant gowns. She generously shared her talents with her community, sewing an entire wardrobe for a grade-school play, uniforms for a junior high cheerleading squad, and countless costumes for town skating-club ice shows, among many other projects. She also taught sewing all along the way. After graduating from high school, she worked in New York City designing women's ready-to-wear. Back home she taught workshops and later managed the fabric departments at JCPenney and Walmart where her support of crafters continued.

An avid gardener, Mary's skills were known throughout her neighborhood and brought joy to many. She participated in the Brattleboro Garden Club as member, president and treasurer. Mary continued serving her community, helping to provide hot meals at Brigid's Kitchen and Pantry for her neighbors in need.

Mary was predeceased by her first husband, Allen Peter Dearborn, and second husband, William Rivers. In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Bob, Wayne and Jean; and two sisters, Marlene and Francis.

Mary's legacy of service and creativity will be carried forward by those who had the privilege of knowing her. She is survived by her children Jacqueline, Christopher, Alison, Melissa and Jonathan; her step-children, Marie, Marcy, Elizabeth and Mark; her brothers, Mike and Tom; her grandchildren, McKenzie, Anna, Isabella, Jasper and Kelsey; her great grandchildren, Gambol, Winona, Aubrey, Merritt and Ryder, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, friends and neighbors.

A celebration of Mary's life is tentatively set for spring, details to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Brigid's Kitchen and Pantry, 38 Walnut Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301. Giving information: stmichael@vermontcatholic.org, (802) 257-5101