Patricia Ann Rivest

     Patricia Ann Rivest, age 81, of Ovid, MI, passed away Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Oliver Woods Retirement Village, Owosso, MI.
     Per the family's wishes, there will be no services at this time.
     Patricia was born in St. Johns, MI on May 14, 1945, the daughter of Max Lee and Norma A. (Lewis) Rivest. She received a bachelor’s degree in education from Central Michigan University. She spent her whole career at Leonard Elementary School in Ovid teaching 1st and 4th grade. Patricia taught for 27 years before her retirement.
     Since she was a child, Patricia loved going to the library and reading as many books as she could. The library was an important space to Patricia, and she dedicated a lot of time volunteering when she wasn't checking out books. She enjoyed learning as much as she could, and even taught herself how to play the piano.
      She loved rooting for the Detroit Tigers (which was rooted in a love for Al Kaline) throughout the spring and summer, and for the Michigan State University Basketball team in the winter.
     Every holiday was Patricia's holiday. She went the extra mile to decorate for every holiday (with a special affinity for dressing up for Halloween), and was always looking forward to getting out another tote of decor for the next one.
      Although she was fiercely independent, community and family were incredibly important to Patricia. She showed up for everyone in her life. She made sure to show up to her nieces and nephews' games and events, made sure you always got your birthday card on your birthday, and spent a lot of time making sure you knew how special you were to her.
      Patricia had a passion for life, her family, Diet Coke with extra ice, and ice cream. She led a beautiful life surrounded by a loving family and plenty of Rocky Road ice cream. Patricia will be deeply missed.
       She is survived by her siblings: Connie Jones, and Gary (Debbie) Rivest; her nieces and nephews: Jamie Jones, James (Heather) Jones, Jennifer (Tim) Jones, Kathryn (Joseph) Karanja, Jason (Ashley) Rivest, and Andrew (Eleah Tucker) Rivest. She is also survived by great-nieces and great-nephews: Sydney Jones, Claudia Jones, Olivia Karanja, Owen Karanja, Max Rivest, Hailey Rivest, Lily Rivest, Ashley (Trent) Smith, and Maddie (Jeff) Mulder. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents Max and Norma Rivest; and her brother Barry Rivest.
     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ovid Public Library. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.