Suzanne Rivers

Suzanne (Dickson) Rivers of Lordship (Stratford), CT and Venice, FL, 79, beloved wife of C. Joe Rivers, passed away after a brief illness, Saturday, December 27, 2020 in Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Sarasota, FL. Born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, Suzanne was the daughter of the late Alfred ""Brud"" Dickson and Barbara ""Bunny"" (Lennon) Dickson. She spent her youth in East Hartford, CT and graduated from East Hartford High School - Class of 1959. Suzanne attended Central Connecticut State University and graduated from Hartford Hospital's Medical Staff School, where she later worked in the hospital's Toxicology Department as a staff secretary. She then worked in several private medical offices before stopping briefly to raise three wonderful children. Suzanne continued her career in the regulatory department of the Richardson-Vicks Corporation's Research and Development Division before ultimately becoming the first in-house toxicologist for the Clairol Division of Proctor and Gamble in Stamford, CT from where she would eventually retire. She also completed the University of New Haven's paralegal studies program in her spare time. Suzanne was the embodiment of everything anyone could aspire to be. She was razor sharp with intellect, quick witted, hardworking, sweet, friendly, kind, and loving - words to describe her remain endless. A self-taught scratch cook, Suzanne often hosted her family and friends to wonderful meals with great food and even better conversation. No one left her dinner table without a sense of awe and gratitude. It was where people felt most together, on top of the world. An astute decorator, Suzanne's homes were filled with antiques and object d'art acquired over many years. Many of these items were displayed in pairs, symbolic of her and her beloved husband: two pieces that never separated and oftentimes, rare - soulmates. She was known as the ""adjuster"" because of her ability to move things a fraction of an inch, so they fit perfectly within a room. Suzanne also had a unique ability to see a specific piece and know exactly where it would fit within her décor. Her sense of style and grace could be seen throughout her home. When it came to design - from her porch to her backyard - Suzanne aimed for perfection and was known to amend her style, often picking up trends before they would happen. A voracious reader, Suzanne's house is full of books and magazines that granted her a world of subjects and endless knowledge. Due to advances in technology, her books and magazines found competition with her beloved iPad, which she took with her everywhere. Later in life, Suzanne enjoyed attending as many of her grandchildren's activities and sports as often as possible, rain or shine. They made her so proud, she considered them her kids and will remain a number one fan. Suzanne's favorite place of all time was the beach where she enjoyed the sand and surf, the dolphins, and many a beautiful sunset. Whether it was Russian or Long Beach in Stratford, or Venice Beach in Venice, she truly was at peace when looking at the water. Suzanne was a unique, one-of-a-kind, loving, and generous person who would always want to make you happy and never fail to bring out a smile. She will be greatly missed. In addition to her beloved husband, Suzanne is survived by her three children; son Chip Rivers (Cynthia) of Birmingham, AL, daughter Sarah Rivers Lipinsky (Frank), and daughter Jennifer Rivers Ryan (John) of Stratford, CT; her six cherished and adoring grandchildren, Brittany Rivers (Andy Rappe), Miles Rivers, Connor Rivers, Griffin Rivers, Molly Ryan, and Jack Ryan; her supportive brother Alfred ""George"" Dickson of Charleston, SC; nieces Danielle (Brian) Bertolini and Lindsay Dickson of Charleston, SC, sister-in-law Linda Dickson of Glastonbury, CT; and the last of the legendary ""Lennon"" clan of 13, Aunt Nancy Ferrick of Haverhill, MA. She is predeceased by her most loving brother Steven Dickson. There will be no services, but Suzanne will live forever in our hearts. In remembrance of Suzanne, please make a contribution to The Celiac Disease Foundation.