THOMASTON — Sheila Ann Rivera, 49, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 21, 2022, at her home in Thomaston.

Sheila was born on September 11, 1972 in Rockland, at the old Knox Hospital to Victor D. and Rosalie (Sheppard) Rivera, she was educated in local schools and was a 1990 graduate of Rockland District High School.

While in high school she excelled at softball and was a pitcher extraordinaire. Though she was gifted academically, Sheila’s greatest accomplishment was the birth of her daughter, Cassandra Lee, who was born in 1989.

Following graduation, she took and completed courses to become a Certified Nurses Aid (CNA). However, by far, her favorite job was working at the former Harborview Restaurant in Thomaston as a bartender. The job was perfectly suited for her larger-than-life personality and irreverent sense of humor.

Sheila was loud, gregarious, outspoken, and authentic. What you saw was who she was. She had her share of struggles and never hid the truth of where her demons had taken her. But, as she worked to rid herself of her troubles, her soft, and generous heart became more visible than ever before.

The last two years of her life was filled with one success after the next. A good job, financial responsibility, her loving partner, Billy, and the joy of her life, her granddaughter, “Baby Girl”.

Above all things, Sheila will be remembered for her humor. Always self-deprecating, and laughing at her own behavior. This not only earned her a large, loving, group of friends, it was the source of her self-described nickname, “HOT MESS,” that she wore unabashedly. Sheila was proud of the work she had done to pull her life together, and her family is still so very proud of her.

Predeceased by her father, Victor Rivera, her uncle, Erle Sheppard, her maternal grandmother, Cynthia Peters; she is survived by her daughter, Cassandra Grant; her mother, Rosie Rivera: her brother, Stephen Ward; her nieces, Skylah and Ashlynn; her nephews, Mahsyn, Tyler, and Cody Ward; and her very special granddaughter, Arianna Rose. She also leaves an aunt, uncle, and several cousins.

A celebration of Sheila’s life will be held Saturday, March 26, 2022, at 1 p.m., at Harbor Light Church, 78 Main St., Rockland, Maine, with the Rev. Allen Jervey officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations in Sheila’s memory be made to the Pope Memorial Humane Society, PO Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841 or online at www.popehumane.org/give-now/

To share a memory or condolence with Shay’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at bchfh.com

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.