Obituary of Patricia Taylor Pivnick

Pivnick, Patricia Taylor, Ed.D. Rochester: Wednesday, November 6, 2013. Predeceased by her parents, Howard and Guila Taylor, survived by her husband Herbert, daughter Lauren, brother Edmund Taylor, and many dear friends and colleagues. Born January 13, 1928 in Muncie, Indiana, Patricia's life was dedicated to her family, to intellectual inquiry, and to bringing music and the arts to her community. After completing a Bachelor's degree in Music Education in 1949 at Ball State University, Muncie, IN, her love of learning and roots in the church brought her to Colgate Rochester Divinity School where she earned the degree, Master of Divinity, in 1952. The years 1953-57 found Pat serving as Director of Adult Programs at the Rochester YWCA, working with colleagues who would become cherished, lifelong friends. In September 1957 Pat began a thirteen-year career as a teacher of general music in the Rochester City School District at Schools #38,#23, and John Marshall High School. Under her direction, performances of school choirs and musical plays earned city-wide recognition for their exceptionally high quality. Children's choirs at several area churches also flourished under her leadership. April 1958 brought marriage to Herbert Pivnick, and in November 1959, the arrival of daughter Lauren Joan. The lure of academe continued with Pat's return to Ball State where she earned the degree, Master of Arts in Music Education, in 1963. In 1974 she was awarded the degree, Doctor of Education, from the University of Rochester. While completing her doctoral studies she served as Assistant Professor of Education at SUNY Geneseo. In 1975 Pat joined the Department of Education at Nazareth College of Rochester, serving for twenty years. Her work with the music- and art- education programs touched many lives and brought her tremendous fulfillment throughout her career. Former students fondly recall her as a truly compassionate and inspiring mentor. Fellow faculty remember her as an engaged colleague in a lively community of scholars. Her roles in faculty development and leadership were essential elements of her professional life, as was her membership in the local chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and her service on the New York State Education Department Committee on Women and Education. Her many contributions to the Nazareth community led to her achievement of the rank of Full Professor in 1985. Retiring in 1995, Professor Emerita Pat could more fully enjoy her treasured avocations, particularly, books, film, playing piano, and the music and theater performances she attended regularly with Bert. Memories of joyful times with friends, family, and neighbors at the lake cottage she loved so dearly will endure as well for many. A musician, scholar, and educator; a philosopher, theologian, wife and mother, it is our hope that she be best remembered as an undaunted advocate for our common humanity. The family would like to thank the many dedicated caregivers at Kirkhaven Nursing Home, St. Ann's Community, and Visiting Nurse Service Hospice for their support throughout Pat's journey. Her family will receive friends Sunday 1:00 - 4:00pm at the funeral home (570 Kings Hwy South) where her Memorial Service will be held Monday 10:00 am. Interment will be held in private. Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620. To share a memory or send the family a condolence, please visit www.harrisfuneralhome.com.