Obituary: Gertrude Rivest

As received from the Pearce Funeral Home:

UPDATE: The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 A.M. on Monday, June 12, at St. Joseph Church in Lake Linden.

Tamarack City: On May 23, 2023, Gertrude Rivest, a devoted woman of faith, who cherished her Catholic beliefs and touched the lives of those around her, completed her time on earth at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and service to her community.

Born in Tamarack City, MI, Gert’s roots ran deep in her beloved hometown. She spent her entire life there. In 1948, Gert embarked on a lifelong journey of love and companionship when she married Clarence (Fran) Rivest at St. Cecilia Church in Hubbell, MI. Together, they met life’s joys and challenges with grace and resilience.

Gert dedicated several years of her life to Dollar Bay-Tamarack Schools, where she served as a Teacher’s Aide, nurturing young minds and inspiring countless students along the way. She was deeply involved in the Tamarack City Women’s Club as the first president and held various officer positions. She also held officer positions in the St. Cecilia Altar Society for many years. Through these organizations, she found a sense of community, friendship, and shared purpose. She found solace and joy in knitting and crocheting. Countless doilies and baby sweater sets were lovingly crafted by her hands. Her creations brought comfort and beauty into the lives of those fortunate enough to receive them. She had a gift for nurturing a flourishing garden full of vibrant flowers and flourishing plants. Additionally, Gert possessed a competitive spirit and loved engaging in friendly card games, sharing laughter and creating cherished memories with family and friends. 

Gert’s family was everything to her.  She is survived by her son William and his wife Holly, daughter-in-law Laura Rivest, grandchildren Kim Rivest, Jamie (Katie) Rivest, Dawn (Ralph) Lyman, Savanna Rivest, Whitney (Arin) Enge and great-grandchildren Cooper, Gracey, Livia, Caeden, and Bentlee. She now reunites with the loved ones who have gone before her; her parents Amerigo and Luminata Bertolini, her beloved husband Fran, two sons Donny and James, and her cherished sisters Pia (Cadwell), Mary (Cantin), and Helen (Pakkala) and many cherished friends.

Gertrude’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Church in Lake Linden June 12, at 11a.m.  In accordance with her wishes, there will be no visitation. Instead of flowers Gert would have preferred that you consider donating to the St. Joseph Church Restoration project found on the church website.  Her legacy of faith, kindness, and devotion and the profound impact she had on the lives of those around her will forever remain in our hearts.

The Pearce Funeral Home in Lake Linden is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at pearcefuneralhome.com