"Patty" Dann Rivera, originally of Fillmore, CA and later Columbia, TN entered into eternal life at the age of 53 in her Santa Paula home after a four year battle with lung cancer. The 5th of ten children she was was predeceased by her father Jerry Dann. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her mother, Carol Newberry Dann, husband Jessie Rivera, five children Sean (Kylee) Rivera of Knoxville, TN, Patrick (Margot) Rivera of Ventura, CA, Eric (Jennifer) Rivera of Ontario, CA, Melanie Rivera of Santa Paula, CA and Maria Rivera of Santa Paula, CA; sisters Cherie (Drew) Ferguson, Laurie (David) Pillado, and Julie (Mark) Gallegos; brothers Jeff (Tiffany) Dann, Steve (Joyce) Dann, Mike Dann, Tom (Tori) Dann, Matt Dann, and Robert (Lynne) Dann. In the last two years of her life she was blessed with five grandchildren, Sophia, Carver, Mia, Rudy, and Marcella. Patty was born in Norwalk, CA and was raised in Fillmore, CA where she and high school sweetheart Jessie first met. He proposed to her before their Senior Prom and they were married in 1978. Patty was also a nineteen year resident of Columbia, TN where she raised her five children and was a devout member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church.
A faithful Catholic woman, she was a beautiful Christian witness to her family and friends. She had a strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and even to the last days of her life she prayed her rosary daily. She was also completely dedicated to teaching her children the values and importance of Christian virtue and the power of sacrificial love. Her son’s will not forget the long one-on-one conversations, whether across the country or in person, they shared with their mother, nor will her daughters forget the hours she would spend praying, singing, or dressing them for formal events.
She was a true woman of joy, and her sweet nature will be dearly missed by her family. The precious time we were given with our beautiful Patty will always be cherished. Her joy was a most promising sign of God's infallible presence. Jessie remained vigilant and present at her side with his five children until her death. In lieu of flowers the family would ask that donations be made to Catholic Charities or the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Ventura County.
The family would also like to recognize Assisted 1 Hospice services who lovingly cared for her toward the end of her life. Their compassion and caring were living examples of Christian charity.
Funeral Services Honoring the Life of Patricia will be held at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 3169 Telegraph Rd., Ventura, beginning with visitation from 5pm-8pm with the recitation of the rosary at 7pm, Monday, December 26, 2011. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 10am. Committal and Interment will follow at Bardsdale Cemetery in Fillmore.
For map and direction to ceremony locations and to sign the family's online guest book, share stories and post pictures please visit our website: www.mysantapaulafuneralhome.com and click on Patricia's name located below "Recent Obituaries".
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned & Operated Robert Rey Garcia Jr. Funeral Svcs., Santa Paula. 805.229.7054