Obituary of Kathleen Rivers

Kathleen V. (Bean) Rivers of Burlington, formerly of Reading, age 69, died from complications of Lou Gehrig’s disease comfortably and peacefully on Wednesday, July 30. Kathleen was born in Dorchester, and was one of fourteen children born to Gerald and Kathleen Bean. She grew up in Dorchester and Rockland. She was a graduate of Rockland High School and later in life earned her degree at Cambridge College. When her children were young and in school, she was a homemaker living in Reading. She returned to the workforce, armed with her degree, and sought a career that had meaning and would help others. She found that she was a very good counselor and focused on working specifically with women battling alcoholism and drug addiction. She worked with Caspar and New Day companies in Somerville for a number of years prior to her retirement. Kathleen truly felt her work was helping those at their lowest points in life to reclaim their self-esteem and ability to be loving parents. Kathleen was a very energetic and vibrant woman. When she was well, she participated in aerobics several days a week, played tennis, walked, gardened, and was always on the move. Kathleen and her companion Tom thoroughly enjoyed going out on the boat and seeing friends at the Watertown Yacht Club. She loved the beach and often vacationed on Cape Cod, Maine and Gloucester. Fourteen years ago, Kathleen was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. She never complained about her disease and faced her future with courage. She became very involved in the ALS Association: participating in support groups, awareness programs, and even speaking on the disease. She always maintained a positive attitude, and was grateful to all her doctors, nurses, family, and friends who cared for and supported her. She was very thankful to be a part of 3 very special families; the Rivers, Beans, and Sarjeants. Kathleen lived her life well and will always be remembered by her family, friends, and all those she helped. Kathleen was the loving companion of Thomas L. Sarjeant, Jr. of Burlington for 24 years. She leaves 4 beautiful children and their spouses; John R. Rivers, Jr. & his wife Cheri of Stratton, ME, Kathleen M. MacDougall & her husband Thomas of Wilmington, Michael A. Rivers & his wife Amy of Reading, and Marie P. Haley & her husband Stephen of Cumming, GA. She was the daughter of the late Gerald and Kathleen Bean. She was the sister of Gerald, Kevin, John, Michael, Allan, & James Bean, Marian Ness, Rita Seppala, Rosemary Bean, Marie Bean, Rachel Corey, and the late Christopher Bean & Patricia Malley. Kathleen was also survived by 12 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, 6 stepchildren, many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Saturday, Aug. 2 from 10 a.m.to 1 p.m. A celebration of her life will follow the visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Kathleen’s name may be made to the ALS Association, 315 Norwood Park South, 1st Floor, Norwood, MA 02062, or through the ALS website:http://webma.alsa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=MA_homepage