Bernice A. Rivers

CLIFTON PARK – Bernice A. Rivers, 60, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 14, 2009 at home after a four year battle with cancer. Her best friend Sherry was at her bedside.
Bernice was born on September 23, 1948 in Plains, PA to John and Eleanor (Stassel) Petraitis. Bernie graduated from Guilderland Central High School. She worked at Doran's Transportation, Computer Science Corporation (CSC) and Blue Shield of North Eastern New York in Latham which she retired from on July 1, 2005.
Bernie is survived by her mother, Eleanor Petraitis of Guilderland; daughter, Denise Rivers Fry (John) of Saratoga; her son, Richard J. Rivers Jr. of Schenectady, and her very best friend, Sherry Marciano of Clifton Park. She was predeceased by her father John Petraitis.
Bernie was an Avon representative for 34 years and developed such great friendships with her customers and they will miss her dearly. Bernie loved going to Myrtle Beach, Lake Placid, Vermont, casino and Disney World (to see her favorite "Goofy"). Bernie loved the NY Yankees and her soap opera "Days of Our Lives".
Thank you to her hospice nurse, Joyce who was so caring and had such patience with Bernie. Her family and friends would like to thank Dr. Daniel C. Kredentser and his office staff and chemo staff for being so kind, caring and loving to Bernie and making her feel so special. Thank you to Bernie's friends, Elaine Jeram, Rose Flood and Maureen Drugda for taking care of Bernie each day during the weeks she was house bound. Thank you to Maureen Padden and Donna Hervieux, friends who are nurses who helped with Bernie. Thanks to lil' Jimmy Carroll (six years old and son of Jim and Stacy Carroll) who called Bernie everyday for four years since she was diagnosed.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at New Comer-Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave.). Calling hours will be Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie.
Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 in memory of Bernice A. Rivers.