Obituary of Christine Rivard

Christine Ann Rivard of Bucksport, age 75, passed away March 18, 2025, at Waldo County General Hospital in Belfast, ME. Chrstine was born on May 17,1949 in Fitchburg, MA to the late Roland  and Jacqueline Rivard.

She grew up the oldest of five children in Townsend, MA, and it was during these formative years that her love and appreciation for all Creation was realized. As a child in Massachusetts, she became tuned in with nature, and throughout her life often sought solace in the nature that surrounded her. She could appreciate Maine’s beauty in her own backyard by walking her dogs, hiking and canoeing nearby, or simply watching the cardinal nest through her kitchen window.

As a single mother of four children, Christine would go back to school to earn an associate degree, become a veterinarian technician—her dream career for over 30 years--and move her family to Maine. It was in Bucksport that she put down roots and tried to make a better life for herself and them, acquiring many stray or discarded animals along the way. In this way, she was able to combine her two greatest passions and provide for her family against all odds.

Christine was preceded in death by her parents Roland and Jacqueline, and by daughter Jacqueline Smith (Heldt).

She is survived by sister Jane Richards, and brothers Eric, David and James Rivard; daughters Rebecca Dunton (Heldt) and Angela Heldt, and son Nicholas Heldt; grandchildren, Logan Daniels and Samuel Rothwell, Piper and Miranda Dunton, Emma and Amme Smith, and Andrew Woody Jr. She also leaves many other family members and friends who will remember her as a strong and courageous woman.

Christine will be remembered for her amazing skills at baking treats for family, friends and coworkers; She loved trying new recipes and making them better by adding her own personal touches. Christine would also want everyone to remember her by better appreciating nature. Her most peaceful moments were found in the early morning hours sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee in hand, snuggling her dogs and watching the activity around the birdfeeders.

Her final wishes were to be cremated and her remains be spread at a meaningful location. There will be no formal service, but we encourage anyone who wishes to share a memory about Christine or suggestion of where to spread her remains; please do so on this page.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com