Patricia L. “Pati” Piper – 74 – of 947 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607, formerly of Hornell, NY, died Friday evening (October 28, 2022) at St. John’s Nursing Facility in Rochester, NY following a long illness.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA on April 22, 1948, she was the daughter of Dr. Donald & Dr. Patricia (Judge) Lewis.
Pati grew up in Forty Fort, PA and was a graduate of Forty Fort High School (class of 1966). She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre and later earned her Master’s Degree from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester.
For 35 years, Pati was employed as a music teacher at the Hornell High School and served as director of the HHS Musicals. She was an extremely popular teacher who was loved and respected by the students and faculty alike. In 1995, she (along with her husband, Steve) was honored by having the HHS yearbook dedicated to her. She retired in 2007.
Having a deep love of music, Pati played several musical instruments and was known for her beautiful singing voice. She cherished the 48 summers that she and Steve spent at their summer home at The Chautauqua Institution on beautiful Chautauqua Lake, NY where she served as a vocalist in the Chautauqua Choir.
In addition to her parents, Pati was preceded in death by her sister, Marie Lewis and her brother-in-law, Tim Houlihan.
She was married on August 16, 1974 to Stephen “Steve” Piper who survives. Also surviving are 3 sisters, Cynthia Larsen of Princeton, NJ, Jessica Houlihan of Princeton, NJ, Susan (Steve) Berthel of Brookfield, IL, and her brother Don (Catherine) Lewis of Santa Barbara CA.
Pati’s request was to “keep the obituary brief” and to not have public calling hours. Private services will be at the convenience of the family.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Pati’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Westfield Stray Cat Rescue, 59 E.Main St., Westfield, NY 14787.
I have many fond memories of Mrs. Piper and her classroom. Between choir, show choir, and the spring musicals I spent many long days with her. She will be missed. – Magda Sikes (aka Maggie Powell, class of 2001)
If it wasn’t for Pippi I wouldn’t be alive today. She took a 4th grader that was being abused and turned her into a singer and actress. She is with me everytime I belt out songs as she will be with others. Thank you so much for sharing her with us Mr. Piper (Steve). Much love, condolences and happy memories. She was and still is in memories a mother, friend, protector, teacher.
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My deepest condolences to Patti’s family. I only knew Patti recently. My Aunt and I would always sit a bit with her each time we visited our family member at St.Johns. She was a very pleasant person whom I wish I could have known longer.
I am saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend and teaching colleague. I have many, many fond memories of our time teaching together and learned so many things from you. Often, as my career went on, I would say to myself; “what would Pati think about this?“. It was truly my honor to be considered your friend.
My first memory of Mrs. Piper was in 1973, Bryant School. I was in 4th grade and she sang You’ve got a friend by Carol King. All these years later I can still see that beautiful lady singing to our class. What a precious memory. RIP Mrs. Piper God has been given a special angel.