Passages: December 3, 2023

L-R: Theresa M. Rivard, Glen W Carter Jr., Richard “Dick” Grant Ford

Compiled by Rev. Susan Murphy

Theresa M. Rivard, 97, of Springvale, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2023. She was born in Sanford on June 3, 1926, to Napoleon and Alice (Michaud) LaRochelle. Theresa grew up in Sanford and worked in the Goodall Mills as a young woman. She met Jerry (Gerard) shortly after he returned from the war, and the two fell in love and married in 1948.  As their family grew, they built a home on Jerry’s family farm in Springvale. Rivard Farm is well known in southern Maine for berry picking. As part of Jerry and Theresa’s wishes, Rivard Farm was recently preserved as a Forever Farm, in partnership with Maine Farmland Trust, ensuring the agricultural farmland is conserved in perpetuity. When Theresa was not busy raising their eight children, she enjoyed reading, knitting, jigsaw puzzles, preserving food, traveling and hiking. She and Jerry hiked many trails in the White Mountains with their children. Theresa loved family gatherings and visits from her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. The light in her eyes showed bright when they were around, and she loved being surrounded by all of them. Theresa was a woman of faith and would often say that she had a long list of those she prayed for each night. Her greatest love was for her husband, Jerry, who she shared 74 loving years with until his passing in November of 2022. The family is grateful that the two have been reunited. She is survived by her sister Dorothy Glaude; her children Peter, Martin, Annette (Rivard) Austin, Arline (Rivard) Hartley, Roland, Diane (Rivard) Stuart, and Linda Rivard Wright; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish in Sanford on December 9, at 11:00 am, followed by a celebration of Theresa’s life at Local 130 (Keepin’ It Local) in Shapleigh from 12:00-3:00 pm. Read her full obituary here.

Glen W. Carter Jr., 64, of Springvale, passed away peacefully at his residence on November 4, 2023. He was born on October 5, 1959, to Glen and Janice (Sanborn) Carter in Dover, NH. Glen grew up with family in Maine and Massachusetts. As a young man, he went to work as a mover and spent his life traveling the country moving customers to their new destinations. He lived in North Carolina for 20 years, and recently settled in Springvale. He thoroughly enjoyed his time on the road and seeing new places. Mostly, he enjoyed being with his family. He was a fun- loving, easy-to-laugh, unpredictable person. His loved ones will miss him dearly. He is predeceased by his parents and an infant grandson, Austin Ryan. Survivors include his loving wife of over 40 years, Rita Lopez Carter of Springvale, his children Shawn Baker, Matthew Carter, Glen M. Carter, David Carter of Springvale, Tiffany Carter of NC and Alexander Carter also of NC; 19 grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, December 3, 2023, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Springvale Social Club, 22 Bridge St., Springvale. Read his full obituary here. 

Richard “Dick” Grant Ford passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at the age of 88. He was born in Springvale to Hazel Grant Ford and Egbert Ford. He grew up on Kirk St. in Springvale, graduated from Sanford High School, earned a BA in Psychology at Nasson College and a MS in Education from the University of Maine at Portland-Gorham. He married Louise Edith Hannaford on June 14, 1964, and together with their eight children they lived on Oak St. in Springvale. A teacher for 30 years, he coached cross country, developed the Teacher’s Association and was nominated for Teacher of the Year. Richard was very invested in the community and was a significant contributor to the success of the York County Credit Union and helped with others to set up the Historical Museum and concert venue in Springvale. A skilled sailor, community leader, and trumpet player, he performed in the Springvale Community Band and the Strafford Wind Symphony. A man recognized for his steadfastness, thoughtfulness and willingness to help others, he had a profound impact on his family and community. He is survived by his wife, Louise and children Linda, Richard II, Mark, Dawn, Daniel, Laurie, Mary Ann and Kristen.  The funeral service was held on December 2 at Autumn Green. Read his full obituary here.