Mary Anne Rivett

Mary Anne Rivett (nee McGrath) passed away peacefully in Gilroy, California USA on September 19, 2026. Mary was born to Norah (nee O’Brien) and William McGrath on February 28, 1935, in Nenagh, County Tipperary, Ireland, in a traditional, thatched roof cottage. The oldest of seven, she attended St. Mary’s secondary school until she moved to London at 16 to work in an insurance office. At 17, she was accepted into nursing school, starting a family tradition followed by three of her four sisters and a granddaughter. With her mother’s encouragement, she studied at Hope Hospital, in Salford, England to become a State Registered Nurse (SRN). She completed advanced training in midwifery and worked in Liverpool as a home birth midwife. In 1958, she heeded the call for adventure in the United States, which was experiencing a nursing shortage. She moved to the United States and worked as a nurse in New York City, Houston, and San Francisco - where she met her future husband.

Mary became a naturalized American citizen in 1964, the same year she married Kenneth Rivett in Nampa, Idaho. They built a life filled with travel and lived in California, Texas, Washington D.C., Maryland, Utah, Virginia, and Idaho. A life-long learner, she learned to swim at 40 and graduated with a BA in Health Services Administration from St. Mary’s College of California in 1979. She received her Master Gardener Certificate in Idaho in her 50’s, all while continuing to stay involved in health care. She served as the president of the Irish American Club in Idaho for two terms and was known for her annual St. Patrick’s Day parties. She was also a long-time member of PEO, an organization with a primary focus on providing educational opportunities for female students worldwide.

Forever up for breakfast out and a late morning drive, in her later years, she enjoyed driving to Monterey Bay for donuts and coffee. Mary was described as a beautiful, gracious, and loving person. She always welcomed visiting relatives into her home with warmth and enthusiasm. Her friendly and courteous nature, complete with a twinkle in her eye and a hint of her Irish brogue, made every moment with her special.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Kenneth Rivett; son, Brian Rivett (Sheryl); daughter, Cara Teel (Mike); granddaughters Brenna Rivett-Al Hariri (Tarek), Mairin Traver-Rivett (Jacob), Juliana Rivett, Norah Rivett, Sienna Teel; great-granddaughter, Adela Al-Hariri; sisters Teresa Devine (Martin), Breda Tracy (Paddy), brother Tony McGrath (Nuala), 16 beloved nieces and nephews, a plethora of grand nieces and nephews, and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents Norah (nee O’Brien) and William McGrath; sisters Eileen Marks (John) and Margaret Moncur; and brother Patrick McGrath.

She died with her family by her side.

Details regarding her internment forthcoming.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Paul’s Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 1241 Nampa, ID 83653-1241.