EUNICE RIVERS
January 1st, 1925 - November 21st, 2019
Eunice Annie Rivers, aged 94 years of Moose Jaw, SK passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 21st, 2019 at the Regina General Hospital, in the thoughts and prayers of her family and friends. Eunice was born on her grandparent's farm, the J.D Gardner Farm that was established in 1912 in the Mortlach district in the Kalamazoo area. She was delivered by midwife Miss Moody to her parents Edith and Frank Gardner. Being an only child, Eunice was very close to her parents. After her father passed away, Eunice took care of her mother, who was also a very independent woman living in her home until she passed away, the same house that Eunice was residing in at the time of her passing. She attended Kalamazoo School to grade 10 and attended grades 11 and 12 at Mortlach High School. Eunice moved to Moose Jaw in 1943 to work at the S.S. Kresge Co. She first worked in various departments before starting at the Lunch Counter, becoming the Food Manageress in 1956 and retiring in 1990 after 47 years of service. She enjoyed working at Kresge's, which later became known outside of Moose Jaw as Kmart of Canada. Eunice loved the many Moose Javians she met while working and she never forgot anybody. She had a wonderful memory for faces and names, and was always interested in people's lives and families. One day, she met a dashing, dapper, distinguished gentleman, Stanley H. J. Rivers, just back from serving overseas as an Air Frame Mechanic. Five years later, they would become Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Rivers, and were married in St. Andrew's Church. Following a Calgary honeymoon, they took up residence at 212 Iroquois St W in Moose Jaw. Eunice and Stan were active in many service clubs which included the Royal Canadian Legion, The Army, Navy, Air Force Veterans, the Elks Club, and the 601 Squadron at the Air Force Base. They enjoyed dancing, especially to big band music, and they had a special rapport with each other and the music as they moved. After Stan's passing in 1999, Eunice became even more involved in the community. She established a Bursary in Stan's name with the Royal Canadian Legion which was awarded to students in the high schools. She liked to meet with each student and get to know a little bit about them. Eunice became a very involved member of the Moose Jaw Cosmo Centre. She organized the Craft and Trade Fairs, loved to go to the Saturday dances where she sold tickets, and also served on the Board of Directors. Eunice and Stan spent many wonderful times with Harry and Betty, Stan's brother and sister-in-law, along with their nieces and nephews, and attended many celebrations with them. They travelled extensively, which included: two World Series, trips to the Caribbean, England, France, Germany and Holland, bus tours to the Maritimes and Eastern United States, California and Alaska, as well as several cruises. Eunice's feline companions were very important to her after Stan's passing, especially Smokey, whom she travelled with to various cat shows. Later on she adopted Mitzie, and then Nipper, who was her companion at the time of her passing. She was predeceased by her husband, Stan; brothers-in-law, Cameron and Harry (Betty); and sister-in-law, Lily. Eunice will be lovingly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; as well as her honorary nephew, Keith and special cousin, Ron. A very special thank you to the many people who assisted Eunice over the years, as well as special caregivers Audra Zolmer, Florence Talbot, Doreen Bye, and Dorothy Oleynek, and Lee Luker who took care of Nipper during Eunice's many vacations and recent hospital stays. Thank you also to the doctors and nurses at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital and the Regina General Hospital. Eunice would like to be remembered for being a good person and asks her family and friends to keep positive and live your life to the fullest. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 30th, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. in Parkview Funeral Chapel, 474 Hochelaga St W., Moose Jaw. Reverend Deacon Arleen Champion will officiate and interment will take place at Sunset Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Eunice's name may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Sask, Unit 26 - 1738 Quebec Ave, Saskatoon SK S7K 1V9 or The Moose Jaw Humane Society, PO Box 1658, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 7K7. In living memory of Eunice, a memorial planting will be made by Jones - Parkview Funeral Services. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com or www.parkviewfuneralchapel.ca (Obituaries).
Dayna Chamberlain - Funeral Director
