Margaret Rivers

OXFORD – Margaret F. (Hanft) Rivers, 85, of Beverly Street, died Friday, August 12, 2016, at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester. She is survived by six children, Gerard J. Rivers and his wife Catherine of Oxford, Vincent P. Rivers of Oxford, Margaret “Cissy” M. Johnson and her husband Ken of Paso Robles, CA, Barbara A. Donovan and her husband Robert of Franklin, Robert J. Rivers and his wife Jennifer of North Andover, and Christopher J. Rivers and his wife Kellie of Oxford; her cousin, Franciscan Brother Conrad Rebmann of Cincinnati, OH; 17 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by a daughter, Judith M. Nilan Rivers of Woodstock, CT, who died in 2005; and her brother, J.D. Hanft. She was born in New York City, NY, daughter of the late John and Margaret (Kane) Hanft, and lived in New York City before moving to Oxford in 1957. She graduated from the St. Vincent School of Nursing in New York City in 1952.

Mrs. Rivers was a registered nurse in the nursery at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester for 34 years, retiring in 1994. She was a member of St. Ann’s Church in North Oxford, where she also taught C.C.D. for several years. She worked for the Oxford Hotline many years ago and was the first female president and secretary of the Oxford Little League.

Mrs. Rivers enjoyed reading, watching movies, family photos, camping at Sebago Lake, and puzzles. She loved the Boston Red Sox and rarely ever missed a game. The main focus of her life was her family. She never forgot anyone or any occasion. She worked hard while raising her seven children and provided a wonderful home for her family. She was a rock for her children and the glue that held everyone together. Her presence will be greatly missed.

A funeral will be held on Thursday, August 18, 2016, from Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, followed by a Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Ann’s Church, 652 Main St., North Oxford. Burial will follow at North Cemetery in Oxford. Calling hours are Wednesday, August 17, 2016, from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Flowers may be sent or memorial contributions may be made to St. Ann’s Church, P.O. Box 488, North Oxford, MA 01537.