Heather M. Rivardo

Heather M. Rivardo, age 52, of New Alexandria, passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Heather is survived by her beloved husband, Matt; loving parents, Bob and Diane Jartin; and many friends who loved her and will miss her immensely. I have never seen this done before, but I have been compelled to write my own obituary. My amazing husband and parents have been through enough, watching me succumb to pancreatic cancer. The last thing I want to throw on them is sitting at a funeral home having to come up with my obituary. That's a lot to ask of the most important people in my life. So, here is.... I've apparently lost my battle to pancreatic cancer. I had Wilms Tumor when I was 10 years old. Had a right nephrectomy, chemo, radiation, the whole nine yards. I was living and loving my life when wham... I got hit with this at 52 years old. I've lived a healthy lifestyle, and I did my best to always be nice and do the right thing. I guess sometimes, it just doesn't matter, unfortunately. Now, I've been forced to leave this world way before I was ready. I loved absolutely everything about my life. I loved the smell and crunch of fall, which meant archery hunting with my husband was on the way. I love the beautiful leaves that lead into winter. I always looked forward to snow and us snuggling on the couch with our amazing dogs in front of a fire at our cabin and feeling the cold snow in my hands with my eyes closed. I will not experience that anymore. It's just so sad. Now is the hardest part, knowing I am leaving behind my husband. The most amazing man ever created. He has been by my side non-stop 24/7 through this entire journey. He has been through every up and down with me. Always positive and encouraging. He truly fought every inch with me. He truly took "until death do us part" to heart. Matt.... I have absolutely loved every second of being your wife and have truly been honored. I can't think of a more perfect couple than us. You have been my absolute everything. It was such a fun and loving ride we had. Thank you for showing me such a deep and unwavering love. I'm so sorry we won't be retiring on a lake together, hand in hand, like we had planned. To my mom and dad.... even at my age, I can honestly say I have been the luckiest kid in the world. You two have always been there for me. I am so sorry you have had to watch this happen to me. I want you both to know I have always felt your love. You have always been my cheerleaders. I know I was your world. Thank you for the beautiful life you gave me and the person that you made me. Leaving my dogs is absolutely devastating because they don't understand any of it. All the people I love know where I am and what happened. All my dogs know is that I've just disappeared. They are the sweetest and most loyal dogs ever and have been by my side through it all. Jovie... my sweet, silly loving little girl. You are so sensitive and mindful of feelings. Thanks for all the laps and curlies. Hopefully, you'll never stop. For as long as you do them, I'll know you're happy. Miles...my little dynomighty, lover of absolutely everything. Who always knew when mommy wasn't okay. You are so prefect inside and out. Always keep your zest for life. Arby... our reserved, sweet, by your side boy who hoops it up running circles in the yard. You are such a special and sweet boy. Alice... our youngest. So sweet, my snuggle bug, playful yet sleepy girl. You have been such a wonderful addition and travel companion. I love my Alice. Lastly, my precious little Jim, my fun little guy, my shadow. Thank you for never leaving my side.... ever. You truly are the epitome of loyalty and love. Enjoy your life with daddy, Jim Jim.Thank you to every single person and friend who has been there for me through visits, texts, cards, calls, and gifts. You all have no idea how much your love and encouragement have meant to me. Bobby, Heather, Dusty, Lisa Houser, and my sweet Martha Kenyon. You all went above and beyond. Thank you also to my side of the family in Johnstown, Vermont, and N.J. who have shown me such love. You know I love you all so much. You are all my memories and history. Your love for me has always been felt. Thank you, especially to my sweet cousin Lisa for going above and beyond. I know this may be long, but I figure this is the last moment I'll ever have, and I don't feel guilty for taking it. In the end, cancer sucks. Through this horrible journey, I've never made sense of why good people are taken and bad people are left alone. When I'm gone, I'm gone, but now everyone I love more than anything are left behind picking up the pieces, grieving, sad and lost. That's what's the hardest for me to digest. It's so unfair that my loved ones are left with all this sadness. I want you to all be happy. Don't ever feel guilty having fun or laughing because I'm right beside you doing it with you. It would be nice if I may even be the reason for it. Mom and dad, I want you to be okay. I love you both so much. My beautiful husband Matt... I want you to be happy again. I want you to be loved and feel love. That is my wish for you. I will always be with you, my buttercup. Thank you also to all the beautiful nurses and women at The Arnold Palmer Pavilion. You have all been there for me more than anyone could have ever expected and asked for. Carey and Krystal.... you two were angels to me. Thank you. Even though life isn't always fair, I hope we can all still be nice to each other. I'm admittedly very angry and unhappy this is how things ended for me. I'm super thankful, though, that I met my husband and that we were able to spend over 20+ beautiful years together. For those of you who I really thought would be there who totally disappeared on me.... I hope you never feel what that's like... well, Maybe a little. To all my angels... thank you!!! I love you all for loving me. Friends will be received on Sunday, March 10 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at BASH-NIED-JOBE FUNERAL HOME, 152 Abbe Place, Delmont, PA, 724-468-8381, where a funeral service will be held on Monday, March 11 at 11 a.m.. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org or to Wildlife Works, Inc. by visiting wildlifeworks.org. online condolences may be given at www.BashNiedJobeFuneral Home.com.