Contact Us
Directions
Welcome to the memorial page for
Doreen L. (Gormley) Rivers
November 27, 1939 ~ November 17, 2017 (age 77) 77 Years Old Light a Candle
Leave a Condolence
Message from Ellen (Anderson) Johnson
December 18, 2017 7:22 PM
I had both Mr. and Mrs. Rivers as teachers. When Mr. Rivers passed away two years ago, I am glad I had the chance to let Mrs. Rivers know that, in fact, she had been my favorite teacher (grade six) at School Street School in Gardner, MA. Great memories! Both Mr. and Mrs. were memorable as people and great teachers. Blessings.....
Message from Emily Gauvin
December 13, 2017 12:34 PM
Very sad to hear the loss of Mrs. Rivers! She was the most amazing woman and teacher she was the only one that made sure all hoidays were celebrating making pins out of pipe cleaners, lace and beads, she loved loved her holidays and students. i will make sure i make pins with my children each holiday to honor her. My condolences go out to all her family and friends. she was a true treasure!
A candle was lit by Emily Gauvin
on December 13, 2017 12:32 PM
Message from K
November 26, 2017 10:03 PM
I am so very sorry for your loss. Please find comfort in God's sure promise of a resurrection as set forth in the Bible. (Acts 24:15; John 5:28,29) Those who are raised to life will have the prospect of never again being subject to misery, sickness, or death. (Revelation 21:4) I hope that reflecting on these thoughts will give you some relief during this difficult time.
A candle was lit by Ashley Eliana & Shaylyn ❤️
on November 26, 2017 7:42 PM
Message from Ashley Campbell
November 26, 2017 7:41 PM
I had the pleasure of getting to know Doreen as I helped her with household duties and running errands. We became very close over that time and would do a few weekly lunches together after our duties were done as we shared a love of good food and she surely did a great job making it. The amount of wisdom and love she showed me in such a short amount of time can never be forgotten or replaced. She was truly a best friend to me and I’m so thankful I had the time i did with her. She’ll be forever missed and always remembered “my Lil lady”
Message from Joyce (Blackmer) Boulanger
November 23, 2017 1:27 PM
RIP Doreen. I remember you at OHS many years ago. Joyce
Message from Dan, Doreen & Pete Elliott
November 21, 2017 8:00 PM
We're so sorry to learn that Doreen is gone. She was a fun and caring and that's how we'll always remember her in our hearts. Yes, "Aunt Doreen" is now at peace with the love of her life, Don.
Our deepest sympathy to her relatives & caretakers.
Our deepest sympathy to her relatives & caretakers.
A candle was lit by Bev & Jim Stone
on November 21, 2017 10:14 AM
Message from Raenette Kramer
November 20, 2017 9:42 PM
"Mrs Rivers" was an amazing woman, she inspired my daughter (Marcy Dodge) to pursue her dream of teaching, she was a generous, compassionate, caring soul. She gave 110% to her students. Her memory will live on in their successes.. I am honored to have know her...heartfelt sympathy to all her family and friends.
Message from Mitchell Grosky
November 20, 2017 4:05 PM
My heart is broken upon learning today, from the Athol Daily News, of the death--on Friday--of my dear friend and colleague, teacher extraordinaire, Doreen Rivers.
I had the great pleasure of teaching upstairs from Doreen at Riverbend for 4 years and then next door to her at ARMS for another 4 years. She was on my team, along with great teachers like Sally Stone, Bill Colo, Mike Leander, Bob Dixon, James Deleo, and others. Her love for children was matched only by her love for teaching.
Doreen loved doing projects that engaged the children, and she spent so many hours planning exciting, innovative units for them--especially in science. She always felt that it was her job to challenge the students to do their best, to really raise the bar for them, to get them to stretch themselves to reach their potential. And she felt it was a major part of her job to support each of them as they confronted each new challenge. For Doreen, it wasn't enough to just present or teach the material, she wanted to be sure that every student would really LEARN it!
She grew excited as each holiday approached because she so much enjoyed decorating her room for Halloween, Christmas, Easter, Memorial Day, and so many other special days. Often she used her own crafts, but occasionally she would delight in showing off a toy or craft she had come across at a store or yard sale. She was determined to reach and to successfully teach each and every student. She was a wonderful listener and gave great advice when you asked for it. Although she could project a stern exterior when the situation called for it, she was truly a warm, kind, gentle soul with such love in her heart for the children in her classroom.
After she retired, I missed her so much in our District. I have a wonderful memory of having her and her beloved husband Don over our home for dinner one weekend, and Anne and I also looked forward to seeing her at the Athol Library Book Clubs. When my mother-in-law was at Quabbin Valley Healthcare, and her mother-in-law was there, as well--in the same unit, Anne and I would see her all the time as she faithfully visited and cared for her mother-in-law. I would also see her often at our monthly retired teachers luncheons where we would swap stories and talk about school and about Orange and Athol.
I will miss her so much--not only as a incredibly caring teacher who I lived and worked with day in and day out for eight years, but also a dear friend whom I cared about and thought about often, as she did, as well. God bless you, Doreen; you gave so much to our children in Athol, and you gave just as much to those of you who were privileged to call you "friend."
I had the great pleasure of teaching upstairs from Doreen at Riverbend for 4 years and then next door to her at ARMS for another 4 years. She was on my team, along with great teachers like Sally Stone, Bill Colo, Mike Leander, Bob Dixon, James Deleo, and others. Her love for children was matched only by her love for teaching.
Doreen loved doing projects that engaged the children, and she spent so many hours planning exciting, innovative units for them--especially in science. She always felt that it was her job to challenge the students to do their best, to really raise the bar for them, to get them to stretch themselves to reach their potential. And she felt it was a major part of her job to support each of them as they confronted each new challenge. For Doreen, it wasn't enough to just present or teach the material, she wanted to be sure that every student would really LEARN it!
She grew excited as each holiday approached because she so much enjoyed decorating her room for Halloween, Christmas, Easter, Memorial Day, and so many other special days. Often she used her own crafts, but occasionally she would delight in showing off a toy or craft she had come across at a store or yard sale. She was determined to reach and to successfully teach each and every student. She was a wonderful listener and gave great advice when you asked for it. Although she could project a stern exterior when the situation called for it, she was truly a warm, kind, gentle soul with such love in her heart for the children in her classroom.
After she retired, I missed her so much in our District. I have a wonderful memory of having her and her beloved husband Don over our home for dinner one weekend, and Anne and I also looked forward to seeing her at the Athol Library Book Clubs. When my mother-in-law was at Quabbin Valley Healthcare, and her mother-in-law was there, as well--in the same unit, Anne and I would see her all the time as she faithfully visited and cared for her mother-in-law. I would also see her often at our monthly retired teachers luncheons where we would swap stories and talk about school and about Orange and Athol.
I will miss her so much--not only as a incredibly caring teacher who I lived and worked with day in and day out for eight years, but also a dear friend whom I cared about and thought about often, as she did, as well. God bless you, Doreen; you gave so much to our children in Athol, and you gave just as much to those of you who were privileged to call you "friend."
Message from Clearwater, FL
November 20, 2017 10:53 AM
I had the privilege of having both Mr. and Mrs. Rivers for teachers in Gardner. Coming form a family of educators I appreciated their dedication to education. Yes, I worked hard in her 6th grade class but its the village of people who make who we are today! All I can remember are good memories.
A candle was lit by John and Linda Knechtel
on November 20, 2017 8:42 AM
Message from LaToya Johnson
November 19, 2017 7:08 PM
I would like to express my deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family of Doreen Rivers. I am truly sorry for the lost that your family is feeling. When ever we lose such a caring and loving person, it is the hardest thing that any of us can go thru. And because of that my thoughts and prayers. Take comfort in knowing that God never intent for us to deal with sickness and death. But have assurance in the wonderful promise that God holds out to us. He promise each of us that very soon he will reunite us back with all those loved ones we have lost. (John 5:28,29) Until that time cherish all the wonderful memories that you have of Mrs. Doreen. These precious memories will console the family in the day's ahead.
Message from Marcy Dodge
November 19, 2017 3:54 PM
You taught me...
With a heavy heart I remember the days I spent with you. Your kind words, perfectly quaffed bun, in your skirt and sneakers ready to take a class on an adventure. Your quirky techniques, love for crafts and dinosaurs, and your sweet voice uttering inventive phrases. I will never forget your kindness in gifting me many of the materials I still use in my classroom til this day, as well as the recipe book you put together for my bridal shower, and I will miss your annual Christmas card that always had the most beautiful images. All of these items will forever hold a special place in my heart, home, and classroom. You were more than my teacher, you were a role model, mentor, and friend. Your dedication and love for teaching children was admirable and unmatched. Thank you for the lessons 💜 RIP Mrs. Rivers
With a heavy heart I remember the days I spent with you. Your kind words, perfectly quaffed bun, in your skirt and sneakers ready to take a class on an adventure. Your quirky techniques, love for crafts and dinosaurs, and your sweet voice uttering inventive phrases. I will never forget your kindness in gifting me many of the materials I still use in my classroom til this day, as well as the recipe book you put together for my bridal shower, and I will miss your annual Christmas card that always had the most beautiful images. All of these items will forever hold a special place in my heart, home, and classroom. You were more than my teacher, you were a role model, mentor, and friend. Your dedication and love for teaching children was admirable and unmatched. Thank you for the lessons 💜 RIP Mrs. Rivers
A candle was lit by Marcy Dodge
on November 19, 2017 3:53 PM
A candle was lit by Arlene and Bob Willard
on November 19, 2017 2:15 PM
Message from Arlene and Bob Willard
November 19, 2017 2:15 PM
Doreen was one of our classmates at Orange High School and was very active in any and all alumni and class reunion activities. She will be greatly missed. She fought a good fight until she finally decided it was time to rest.
Message from Cindy Houle
November 19, 2017 11:24 AM
May Doreen rest in peace. She was a wonderful lady and an awesome teacher who served the children of Athol. We are all better for knowing her.
© 2024 Witty's Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved. Funeral Home website by CFS & TA | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility