Her mother , who died when Rivers was just 15 years old , encouraged her to attend school since a young age .
Originating from a poor , working - class family , Rivers ' was fortunate that education allowed her access to middle - class life .
Rivers ' mother , who died Rivers Rivers was just 15 years old , encouraged her to attend school since a young age .
Originating from a poor , working - class family , Rivers ' was fortunate that education allowed her access to middle - class life .