Elisabeth Jean Rivily

Elisabeth “Lis” Rivily peacefully passed away on October 3, 2024. She was born on November 24, 1927, in Seattle to Frew and Edna Dickson. Elisabeth married the love of her life, Bob Rivily, on November 19, 1949, and they put down roots in Renton. She loved her family, traveling, opera, live stage productions and the symphony.

Lis was passionate about education and helped found a program for elementary students to attend the Seattle Symphony that continued for decades. She was involved with many civic groups from Eastern Star to PEO. Lis loved to spend time with her family and friends.

Elisabeth is survived by her sons Bob (Polly) and Thomas (Paula); grandchildren Angie (Daniel), Adina, Ryan and Logan; three great-grandchildren: and two great-great granddaughters. Her name is a legacy to her family.

Lis was known as our Mom, Grandma, Nana, Biz Nona, Biz-Biz Nona and friend. Elisabeth will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her. Services at Greenwood Funeral Home on Friday, October 25th, 2024 from 11am-12pm. Reception to follow from 12pm-4pm also at Greenwood Funeral Home. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery for close family at 1pm the same day.

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The world welcomed Elisabeth Jean Dickson, the only child of Frew and Edna Dickson, on November 27, 1927, at Seattle Providence Hospital.

At the age of 4, she remembered the Great Depression, when so many people were out of work. At 5, she moved in with her Grandmother Dickson, or Nana, while her parents divorced. Lis stayed with Nana until she was 12 when they all moved back together.

During her childhood, Lis had Scarlet Fever, whooping cough, smallpox, and measles.

She remembered the flood of 1933 while living in their house by Long Acres, saving an old set of encyclopedias, which the family still owns.

In childhood, Lis learned ballet and tap dancing. She took piano lessons, but hated the recitals, so stopped shortly after.

Junior and Senior high school brought her into a social atmosphere where she thrived. She became active in Rainbow Girls teaching Grace and public speaking. She was also the lead actress in many school plays. At the UW her major was Languages, Russian, French, Spanish and Greek.

Elisabeth married Robert Rivily on November 19, 1949, in Renton. They had 62 wonderful loving years together, and two sons, Robert Jr (Bob) was born in March 1951 and Thomas in January 1959.

Lis was always active in Renton politics, Seattle Forward Thrust board member & treasurer, Seattle Opera, Seattle theater, Boy Scouts, PTA, and DeMolay. All things she touched she mastered with grace and ease.

During the late 50’s, her husband started B&B auto parts stores. A business that found great success. In the late 70’s and 80's, Lis worked at the headquarters heading up many of the business requirements. They sold the business in the late 80’s to enjoy many years of travel and family. They visited over 15 countries. A favorite trip every other year was to visit relatives in Italy.

After her husband’s passing in 2012, she lived with Thomas & Paula.

In the last 12 years of her life, she has lived along with caregiver Marica Linerud whom she loved and truly extended her life even with dementia.

We as a family would like to thank all who loved Elisabeth. She was indeed a very special Lady. She is survived by:

Robert Jr (Bob) and Polly Rivoli

Thomas and Paula Rivily

Angela (Angie) and Dan Engstrom

Adina Rivoli

Ryan Rivily

Logan Chrivoli

Mathew Engstrom

Micah Engstrom

Elisabeth Engstrom

Tegan Engstrom

Aria Elisabeth Engstrom