Patricia “Pat” Rivett entered eternal life on Friday, October 9, 2015. Pat was 97 years young at the time the closing notes of her finale faded.
Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert “Bob” Rivett and son Christopher “Chris” Rivett, Pat’s spirit is carried on by her seven children, 30 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, and an extended family of friends.Pat loved reunions that brought her family together including: John F. Rivett (Betsy), Philadelphia, PA; Robert H. Rivett Jr. (Margie), Londonderry, NH; Frank B. Rivett (Karen), Buffalo, NY; Lauren Wallis (Chris Rivett), Eagle Bay, NY; Matthew G. Rivett (Janet), Maricopa, AZ; William M. Rivett (Sue), Manlius, NY; Anne M. Rivett (Jeff Payne), Trenton, NC; Margaret M. Rottach (John), Minneapolis, MN; with their offspring too numerous to mention.
Pat’s overture began on September 19, 1918 born to John and Agnes (Prespare) Burgess in Au Sable Forks, NY. The opening movement of her life symphony incudes Pat starting piano lessons at age 6, a theme which prevails throughout her life.
After graduation from high school at 16 she went on to enter the prestigious Julliard School of Music, NY, NY. Pat graduated from Julliard in 1939 with a major in Music Education and minors in Piano and Voice.
The second movement of her symphony resonates with love and joy as Pat met her husband, Bob, after moving to Old Forge, NY to teach elementary through high school music. They were married on June 14, 1941. They shared life together raising eight children, leaving Old Forge moving first to Utica, NY then settled in Marcellus, NY.
Pat’s time in Marcellus included her career as a piano teacher, accompanist to countless students for auditions, choir director at St. Francis Xavier Church and, was the accompanist of the Marcellus Chorale.
This movement ends with a decidedly sadder feel with the passing of her husband in 1978 after which Pat left the New York winters behind and moved to the warmer climate of Fairfield Harbour, New Bern, NC in 1980.
The final movement continues at a cheerfully brisk pace as Pat’s contributions to the community continue. In New Bern Pat co-founded the Fairfield Harbour Chorus in 1984 for which she continued as conductor through 2013.
Not being one to sit idle Pat also accompanied the Craven Community Chorus and in the 1990s took on the role as resident accompanist for Craven Community College vocal fundamentals course and Encore! Show choir. Pat finally decided it was time to retire in 2013 at the age of 94.
In 2008 Pat’s musical accomplishments were honored in a concert, Rivett Up!, performed by the Craven Community Chorus. The concert featured several of Pat’s arrangements as well as Pat at the ivories.
It was during this concert The Pat Rivett Music Scholarship was announced. This scholarship is established for the purpose of fostering music knowledge and providing Craven Community College students with enhanced opportunity for music education.
In 2013 Pat was honored as an inductee into the Fairfield Harbour Property Owners Association Hall of Fame for her years of dedication to the community.
The family wishes to extend warm thanks to the entire staff of Croatan Village, New Bern, NC for their care and compassion over the past two years.
A celebration of Pat’s life will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 24 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church 3005 Country Club Rd, New Bern, NC 2856.
Interment will be at Riverview Cemetery, Old Forge, NY.
Arrangements pending by Dimbleby, Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please send contributions to The Pat Rivett Music Scholarship Fund: The Pat Rivett Music Scholarship Fund, Craven Community Chorus, P.O. Box 13704,
New Bern, NC 28561. Make checks payable to: Craven Community Chorus. Please specify “The Pat Rivett Music Scholarship Fund” on the check memo line.
