GREENWOOD
Mary Patricia “Pat” Rivers of Greenwood, Indiana, passed away at age 83 on December 13, 2020. To her family and friends, she was known as Pat, and with her tall stature, jet-black hair, and big, bright smile, her presence was undeniable. She was born in Lafayette, Indiana, on August 8, 1937, to Hugh Griffith Quirk and Eva Grace McKinney Quirk. Her father, a native of Ireland, had brought his Irish roots to America, giving Pat and her family a sense of pride and a lifetime of Irish traditions; it also made St. Patrick’s Day an enthusiastically celebrated holiday.
Pat married Billy Joe Rivers in July 1956 in Newtown, Indiana. He preceded her in death in December 2016. Pat and Bill raised two children, traveled all over the world, were active in the church, and incredibly dedicated grandparents. Pat started out as a piano teacher to dozens of kids in the Covington area for many years before moving to Greenwood in 1968. She then went back to work for One Call Communications and became a successful saleswoman in her 40’s.
Pat was close with her immediate family, and often went back to spend time with them on the farm she grew up on. Pat, her daughter Sheryl, her sister-n-law Jeanine, and niece Jill, went on all kinds of shopping and craft adventures over the years. She eventually learned the game of golf, and shared that passion with Bill, Sheryl, and her son, Mike. Pat could always be found playing bridge with her friends, calling it her “therapy,” which brought her much joy and laughter.
Anyone acquainted with Pat knew she was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord. Most every Sunday she could be found at Southport Presbyterian Church, sitting with her family, and listening to her favorite hymns. Those close to Pat felt her generosity tenfold. She would craft homemade cards for every occasion; take care of sick friends in their time of need; visit the elderly at nursing homes; volunteer at church; and was always there to support her family and celebrate their accomplishments.
Pat is survived by her two children, Sheryl Feyen, of Greenwood, Indiana, and Mike Rivers, also of Greenwood, her two grandchildren, Kelly Beard (and Adam) of Greenwood, Indiana, and Shannon Dewey (and Scott) of Roseville, California, along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Hugh and Robert Quirk.
The family will arrange a celebration of life at a later date.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Cremation Society of Indiana.
