Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
RISE STEVENS Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for RISE STEVENS
Rise Legato
January 31, 2025
My parents liked opera, and my mom named me after her.
Rise Van Iderstine
May 1, 2021
My dad loved opera and Rise. So he named me after her. Sorry we never got to meet her. I have listened to many of her interviews. What a great person.
Marion Cates
December 21, 2020
she was my all time favorite singer. she seemed like the sweetest person when i listen to her singing.i I'm now 90 and have followed her in singing and enjoyed her in the movies she made especially " Going My Way" with Bing Crosby. She performed Carmen like no one else. Marion Cates.
Tim Nickels
December 20, 2020
I finally got to know her by name and spirit in the movie going my way . Amen
Philip Sheehan
February 18, 2020
My Mom s favorite me too
Rise Legato
August 31, 2019
I am named after this lady. My mom liked her name and my family were opera fans - so when I was born that is what she chose. Such a beautiful voice and legacy.
Rise Schiffman Wells
April 27, 2018
I am also named after this beautiful lady. My dad was an opera fan and I believe had a mad crush on her. Wish I could have me you Rise' Stevens!
Rise' Mayolette
January 9, 2018
I listened to you my whole life Im also named after you ! Beautiful voice ! You will alwYs be alive in my heart ..thank you
Walter Marquart
August 4, 2016
A lovely Lady with a singing voice that now is silent now she in the LORD's choir.
Harry Simpson
March 20, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
April 6, 2013
For decades, since the day I accidentally heard her beautiful voice in The Chocolate Soldier, I have been grateful to Rise Stevens for getting me to pay attention to opera. I think warmly of her whenever I play a recording or attend a performance, and even more when I see how many who knew her admired her as a person. Her good influence will go on long into the future.
Mary Koch, Seattle
Lynn Harmon
April 5, 2013
To family of Ms. Stevens. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss of Ms. Rise Stevens. Sometimes words aren't enough to get through death of a loved one. That's why it's a must to draw comfort from each other as family and friends.- Colossians 3:14 says that: Love is a perfect bond of union. May that bond comfort you all and bring peace to families.
Andrew Siditsky
April 1, 2013
I received my Degree from Mannes, and honored that Rise gave me my diploma. She was a passionate, talented, and shrewd leader, committed to achieving success in everything she did. Her artistic leadership inspired many students at Mannes to reach their highest levels. RIP
Melody Johnson
March 29, 2013
She one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard. Loved her in Going My Way with Bing Crosby. Many prayers to the her family and friends., Melody Johnson of Colorado Springs, CO
Abigail and Hannah Jane
March 28, 2013
Miss Rise was our friend. She was famous, but she was so nice to us and to many other people. We will always keep her cards and letters going back to when my sister and I were very young. Mr. Surovy and Marisa, please remember Miss Rise as we do: a really, really special person! And she is in heaven now.
March 27, 2013
God bless you.
M Scott
March 27, 2013
May the Stevens Family and Friends Find Comfort During This Time of Sorrow.
March 26, 2013
My condolences to the family. Rise's performance in the movie Going My Way, is the reason I came to love opera. I have been a fan of hers for years, even corresponding with her occasionally through the years sending birthday and Christmas cards.
With sympathy, June Gibson
March 26, 2013
I offer my sincere condolences. Take comfort in knowing that God cares for you and invites you to look to him for comfort. (1 Peter 5:6,7)
March 25, 2013
Although your loss is painful take comfort in knowing that Psalm 90:10 says "the days of our years are seventy, and because of special mightiness they are eighty." Condolences to family and friends.
March 25, 2013
As a student in Boston, Mass. in the 50's, I remember Ms. Stevens singing the role of Carmen. What a magnificent experience and what a beautiful voice? Much of my love of opera was because of her great performance and subsequent performances. May God rest her soul and may the surviving family be blessed. Ms. Stevens will always be remembered for her contributions to opera and great culture in America.
With sadness,
Michael Marge, Emeritus Professor
Syracuse University
March 25, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
March 24, 2013
to the family,remember the love God showed by giving his own son for us,that death might be swallowed up forever.Take comfort that this will come to pass....q
David Barber
March 24, 2013
I shall celebrate her wonderful smile.
Nancy Rahe Lipschutz
March 23, 2013
My condolences to the Surovy family. I met Rise at the studio of Vera Schwarz when I was a student there. Rise was a great inspiration to me. She will be sadly missed.
Allen Peppe
March 23, 2013
I remember Miss Stevens sing at Adelhi U back in the day She was sensationAl
T. P.
March 23, 2013
Dear Stevens family. I am so very sorry for your loss. "May YOU have undeserved kindness and peace from God our Father." 1 Corinthians 1:3, 4
Francesca Fairfield
March 23, 2013
Such a marvelous voice & long life. One to celebrate.
Condolences to the family on their loss.
March 23, 2013
With deepest sympathy to the Stevens family during your time of grief...God is for you a refuge and strength, A help that is there to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
Jacquelyn Furlong-Butler
March 23, 2013
Ms. Rise brought joy to my life through her wondrous music. God bless.
Sue
March 23, 2013
May the grace of God protect and comfort you during this time. Please take comfort in knowing that God is all things "Good" never will he allow us to be left alone.
Sharon Green
March 23, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
ROB
March 23, 2013
To the Stevens faimily and friends: You have our sympathy for. Your loss . She will always be remember. Php 4: 7
Del Drouin
March 23, 2013
Dear Mr. Surovy,
More than once I have told my friends how my love for opera started when I saw your mother as 'Carmen ' in the movie Going My Way when I was 12 yrs. old. It drew me to the 'Texaco Opera House' on Saturdays to learn more.
So you see, Mr. S, how I will always be grateful for your mother's talent.
My deepest sympathy to you and yours.
June Willis
March 23, 2013
What a great contribution she made to the world with her gorgeous voice and her beauty.
March 23, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the family. May you rely on God to give you strength to endure this difficult time.
March 23, 2013
I worked with Ms. Stevens during the Metropolitan Opera National Company's inaugural season (1965-66). It was an honor to be in her presence. Always a kind word from her. Thank you for sharing her with music lovers everywhere.
Joseph Napoli, Athens, Georgia
March 23, 2013
Offering my deepest condolences during this difficult time, I'm so very sorry for your loss, death is something we are never prepared for, but please find comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be no more. For God has promised.
Solomon Y.
March 23, 2013
I love to sing, but since i've hit puberty, I sound terrible. So i've had to take a singing haitus. But i'm glad to hear of a good singer. May God be with you during these trials. John 5:25
Hazel Andros
March 23, 2013
What a fantastic singer, I love her singing and also her appearances in movies, and her dedication to her craft. I have many of Rise Stevens records, CDs and have watched the movies. She was a strong supported of the MET and had a fantastic career. She will be missed, but thank God for her talent. God Bless her family.
B. Gardner
March 22, 2013
To the family of Ms. Rise Stevens. I am so sorry for your loss. Ms. Stevens was blessed with 99 years of special mightiness. (Psalms 90:10) May your hearts be filled with joyful memories of time spent with her as you remember a life well lived. May the Hearer of Prayer bring you strength and peace in your time of sorrow.
Dr. Michael Banks
March 22, 2013
Attended the same freshman class at Northwestern with her son Nick Surovy and had listened to her recordings and seen her perform twice. So sorry for your loss, Nick. 40 years or so later was the late Jerome Hines television producer and was introduced to Rise Stevens at Jerry's home. Spent a long, great afternoon together talking inside-opera but also largely hearing how proud she was of her son. We should be grateful her talent could be with us for so long. God bless her forever!
Deb B
March 22, 2013
Memorable. Rise Stevens was deeply memorable in so many ways. As Carmen, as a bright and gifted artist, as an actress and as a beautiful person. Her light will always burn bright, here and in the angel choir.
Albert Van Thournout
March 22, 2013
I fell in love with opera because of Rise Stevens. As a young teenager, I heard her on 'Voice of Firestone.' She sang the Habanera from 'Carmen.' I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Thank you Ms. Stevens for opening the world of opera to me and all the joys I've experienced there. You will never be forgotten.
Cassandra Kaufman
March 22, 2013
A beautiful lady! I remember chatting with Ms. Stevens while working at the NYS Council on the Arts. Ms. Stevens was a Music Panel Member. Always gracious, lovely and friendly. My profound sympathy to the family.
Billie Sievers
March 22, 2013
When in grade school back around the middle "40's"in San Antonio,Texas., our teacher happened to be an opera singer herself, and our music teacher.She was able to land us on stage with Ms. Stevens in the opera Carmen.What a thrill.I had to run out in front of the horses and carriage that she was riding in. All of us children were upfront stage singing out to the audience along with her. I remember how pretty she looked in her spanish costume and how big those horses looked.I had a very handsome young man who was my actor dad.We had such a good time and all the professional singers were so nice to us kids. I heard her on the radio & saw her in Going My Way seems She was on TV also. I'd like to thank my music teacher, who probably was one waiting to greet Ms. Stevens.They both gave me a love of all music.God Bless them both
Leonard Gizinski
March 22, 2013
All my sympathy to the family. I have never forgotten and never will forget the time that I spent in the Stage Door Cantine when I was in the service back inn"44" andshe surprised everyone in the place when she went on stage and sang the "Our FGather" As soon as she started one could actually hear a pin drop.Ther were many ma G I who had tears in their eyes.AS I am writing this,my own eyes are not dry. I will nbot forget.My thanks to her. It was one of the highlights of mylife. Thank you Len Gizinski
Harvey Feinstein
March 22, 2013
Rise Stevens was a neighbor of mine in Southampton, Long Island. One afternoon she visited me and picked up a paper fan I had on a table. She proceeded to sing the opening bars of the Habaniera from Carmen. I'll never forget that. She was a wonderful talentd woman and did so much for Opera.
Harvey Feinstein
Simone Thomas Farley
March 22, 2013
I was lucky enough to be presented my Diploma from Mannes School of Music in NYC by Ms Stevens ... a photo I cherish to this day.
Erica Broadway
March 22, 2013
It is comforting to know that Jesus, the Ruler of God's Kingdom, is called the “Prince of Peace,” and he will ensure that “to peace there will be no end.”—Isaiah 9:6, 7
Wladyslaw Kordas
March 22, 2013
Requiem æternam dona ei, Domine.
Et lux perpetua luceat ei.
Requiescat in pace. Amen.
Rise' Davis Shackelford
March 22, 2013
Never felt more blessed and proud to be named after Rise' Stevens. Wish I could have known her. God Bless you and the family.
Susan Cavalieri
March 22, 2013
I first met Ms Stevens when I was ten. A lovely lady then and she was just as lovely when I visited her a couple of years ago. I will miss her.
Richard Olson
March 22, 2013
I grew up in NYC listening to Ms Stevens. She will be greatly missed. There are few like her in this current generation.
B Lucas
March 22, 2013
My sincere condolence for the loss of Rise Your dear loved one. May your fond thoughts of her bring back good memories. Peace and love to your family and friends, and to the spirit that you all show. [email protected]
louise wisinski
March 22, 2013
Oh I loved you. You brought the joy of opera into my life. God bless.
March 22, 2013
Our family so enjoyed everything Rise ever sang and she was such a boon to the United States music society Marie Hahn
Mark
March 22, 2013
The best Ava Maria on screen was Rise with Bing in "Going My Way". The heavens gained a special angel.
William Donaldson
March 22, 2013
Loved her from the time I saw her at the Cinncinnati Zoo Opera singing Carmen when I was 8. A great loss to music.
Donald Nichols
March 22, 2013
Her performance in the film "Going My Way" alongside Bing Crosby was simply outstanding.
Betty Fowler
March 22, 2013
I hope that this message get to you because so many of my messages don't. I am infirm with breast cancer and try to who have passed away in death. I hope that the family of Rise Stevens gets this message because I too at one time singed in a group called Soft Touch. Rise live a long life of special mightiness.(Psalms.90:10) So to her family I send my prayers ans sincere condolences to you all and may you keep her memories very close in your heart
[email protected]
lee
March 22, 2013
What an absolutely charming lady. I remember her appearing on "The Grand Ole Opry" and charming the audience.
Now she will be a beautiful voice in the Choir of Angels.
God Bless you and your family.
Jan
March 22, 2013
I think I judged all voices by the voice of Rise Stevens...and she was so pretty! She was the 'new look' of the women in opera.
March 22, 2013
What a beautiful voice. Hearing her as a young person began my love for opera. CParrish, Fl
Ann
March 22, 2013
I remember Rise from my school days when when we were first learning about opera...she had the most beautiful voice and will surely be missed by those who love music...condolences to her family.
ER
March 22, 2013
Thank you for raising musical standards, making opera interesting and accessible to many, and for encouraging others to dedicate themselves to music. Deepest condolences to your family, friends, colleagues and admirers.
Elaine Hines
March 22, 2013
My favorite Dalila of all time, and the greatest Carmen of the twentieth century. God rest you, dear lady.
Emily Hastings Keene
March 22, 2013
Goodbye to the greatest Carmen of all time. I send my sympathy and prayers for your family.
Anna hendon
March 22, 2013
I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Gene Terkelsen
March 22, 2013
A woman with a great voice who introduced many to the world of opera with her appearances on TV.
May her family be blessed with God's love and my Ms. Stevens be greeted with open arms.
Sheila Smith
March 22, 2013
A classy lady with a beautiful voice. Godspeed Rise.
Barbara Boston
March 22, 2013
The first opera I ever say was with her singing Carmen. I was 16 and ever since no one has ever measured up to her in that role. The angels now have a great lady and voice in their chorus. RIP
Sue
March 22, 2013
This lady impressed me so very much when I watched "Going My Way." When she sang, it was the singing of the angels. I hear her sing and it stayed with me and how she amazed me knowing all of those languages of the opera, singing so beautiful. I didn't discover this moving until a decade ago, always missing it on TV. I didn't grow up with it but a favorite all the same. She loved her ART and supported it well as I read about her over the years. If we listen closely, we will still hear her beautiful voice.
Bill Bilger
March 22, 2013
A Beautiful Lady with a Beautiful Voice.
Rosalie Green
March 22, 2013
What a beautiful voice for us to enjoy!
Kathy Engstrom
March 21, 2013
My mother played Carmen in our home often when I was a small child. I heard Rise Stevens singing in my home before I started kindergarten. What a beautiful voice.
Ken Kassen
March 21, 2013
I remember her with Nelson Eddy in "The Chocolate Soldier." As much as I loved and adored Jeanette MacDonald, I loved Rise Stevens' and that most beautiful voice in that play. Now, she can sing with the angels in heaven.
J Foster
March 21, 2013
I grew up listening to her beautiful music. We were very blessed by her being in our generation. Thank you, Rise
Greg Davidson
March 21, 2013
Loved you in 'Going My Way' Ms. Stevens! Thank you for everything you've done and Rest In Peace.
al kerr
March 21, 2013
I heard Rise stevens sing Octavian in 1947at the san francisco opera. I was only 20 but it was a magnificent performance
Resa LaRoque
March 21, 2013
RIP Rise Stevens..May Your Light shine in heaven as it has here on earth..
Resa LaRoque
March 21, 2013
I was born in 1961 and I am from montana...I was told by my mother that when i asked where she got my name..she said I was named after a famous opera singer named Rise Stevens. What a beautiful name is the response i get from people that hear my name..very honored to have been named the same as the famous opera singer...RIP Rise Stevens
Darrel Mills
March 21, 2013
I remember her performing on the old TV program "The Voice of Firestone" as a young child. I still remember how elegant she sounded. Now that goes back a few years.
Yvette Natkin
March 21, 2013
Your mother had a beautiful voice, I was too young to see her in person, but I have some of her recordings. God Bless her, she is now singing with Bubbles up in heaven.
Paul Esterguard
March 21, 2013
Always remember her in "Going My Way" A great talent and lovely lady of the theater.
Nancy Jones
March 21, 2013
A beautiful lady and her voice one to remember. My deepest sympathy to her family.
March 21, 2013
I was at her concert at Southern Illinois University in the 50's as a high school music student studying Oboe privately at SIU and my teacher gave me a ticket. She gave an unforgettable performance, and of course, sang "Carmen" so stately. She was so beautiful. Her legacy will prevail forever in opera.
Jonathan Lowder
March 21, 2013
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Scott Grunow
March 21, 2013
A great lady. Showed a mezzo can be a star. Fantastic Carmen and Dalila.
March 21, 2013
She remained a huge supporter of the Met and a spokesperson for the art of Opera in general. I'm sure if she had been in better health in recent years, she would have been one of the interviewers on the Met's HD Broadcasts. She will certainly be missed!
for all the great performances
March 21, 2013
michelle plakas-kaiser
March 21, 2013
rip
John F. Perrelli
March 21, 2013
I remember her in the movie"Going My Way"and her rendition of Carmen in that movie. She was a great lady and star. R.I.P.
Richard Ditewig
March 21, 2013
About 1960 there was a Christmas-tide TV program featuring music of the season.
Rise Stevens sang "The Friendly Beasts" - also known as "Jesus,
Our Brother Strong and Good".
I've always remembered and treasured this Christmas broadcast
and especially Ms. Stevens' singing of this carol.
Blaise Gartland
March 21, 2013
Mme Stevens brought countless hours of enjoyment and entertainment to millions and millions of people over the course of her fantastic career. She was instrumental in bringing the world of opera to the masses, and she did it with great enthusiasme,dedication, and great artistry. She will be remembered always. I cannot, to this day, listen to a performance or recording of "Carmen" without thinking of Mme. Stevens. May her memory be eternal.
Showing 1 - 96 of 96 results
Make a Donation
in RISE STEVENS's name
Memorial Events
for RISE STEVENS
How to support RISE's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor RISE STEVENS's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
