Cecilia "Sally" S. Thayer

Cecilia “Sally” S. Thayer of Birch Run

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday, August 25, 2022, at Covenant HealthCare – Cooper. She was 61 years old. Cecilia Sanchez Rivera was born on March 3, 1961, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Encarnacion and Petra (Sanchez) Rivera. She was a proud 1979 graduate of Saginaw High School. Sally met the love of her life, Craig Steven Thayer, while attending Saginaw United Pentecostal Church. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on July 14, 1979, in Saginaw, Michigan; he survives her. She was a former member of Saginaw Valley United Pentecostal Church and a current and faithful, member of Cornerstone Christian Center. The role of her lifetime was to be a loving and devoted wife and mother, but becoming a grandmother was the icing on the cake; it fulfilled all her hopes, wishes, and dreams. Sally’s little piece of heaven was being at one with nature by fishing. She also enjoyed scrapbooking and spending time with her family. Everyone held a special place in her heart, from her husband, children, and grandchildren to her siblings, nieces, and nephews; Sally loved everyone fiercely and held beautiful bonds with each person. She left her indelible mark on this world through her selflessness to all she loved, for her kind, sweet, and loving soul, and for truly living an amazing life filled with joy and humor.

Surviving her husband of 43 years, Craig S. Thayer of Birch Run; son, Craig S. Thayer, Jr. of Saginaw; three grandchildren: Isabella Cecilia Thayer, Aurora Grace Torres, and Ricardo Torres; one brother and two sisters, Daniel S. (Alejandra) Rivera, Linda S. (Frank) Huron, and Lisa M. (Robert) Thayer; sister-in-law, Tina Rivera; Also surviving are many special nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Cecilia Smith; her parents, Encarnacion and Petra Rivera, five siblings: Nahum S. Rivera, Esperanza S. (Paul) Narvaiz, Gloria S. (Tom) Huerta, David S. Rivera, and Anthony S. Rivera.

A Funeral Service will take place 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 29, 2022, at Saginaw Valley United Pentecostal Church, 7877 Bell Road, Birch Run. Pastor Kevin Leaman and Rev. Kim Frank will officiate. Burial will follow at Cook Cemetery in Taymouth Township. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the family c/o Craig Thayer. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or though www.casefuneralhome.com.