WALDEN – Sandra Lynn “Sandy” Rivers, 51, of Walden passed away in the comfort of her home, with family at her side.
She was born February 17, 1970, in Berlin, the eldest of three daughters born to Richard A. and Elizabeth C. (Rowell) Paton. She attended Woodbury public schools and graduated from Hazen Union School in the class of 1988. Sandy continued her education at Lyndon State College in Lyndonville.
In 1995, Sandy married, Douglas Roy Rivers at the United Church of Hardwick.
She was first employed at Tap and Die in Lyndonville. Later, she worked as a paraeducator, at both Twinfield Union School in Plainfield and Walden Elementary School.
She was a member of the Family Readiness Program for the Vermont Army National Guard in Lyndonville. Sandy enjoyed baking, crafts, dancing, vacations, concerts, but most of all, she enjoyed time with her family. She will be remembered by all who knew her as a very kind, loving lady who dedicated her life to caring for her family, children, and foster children.
Survivors include her father, Richard Paton of Woodbury; her husband, Douglas Rivers of Walden; two children: Kevin Rivers, Kayla Rivers and grand-daughter, Aaliyah Rivers, all of Walden; two sisters and their spouses, Gloria and Shawn Mercier and their three children of Greensboro, and Pam and Greg Allen and their two children of Hardwick; many more aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Sandy was predeceased by her mother, Elizabeth Paton.
Visiting hours will be held 3 to 7 pm., on Friday, September 10, at Northern Vermont Funeral Home, 60 Elm Street, Hardwick. Masks will be required indoors.
A celebration to honor Sandra’s life will be held at 1 p.m., on Saturday, September 11, at the Walden Recreation Field, on Noyestar Road in Walden. Dian R. Holcomb of Northern Vermont Funeral Service, 60 Elm Street, Hardwick, is assisting family with arrangements. Online condolences are welcomed at northernvermontfuneralservice.com.
