Christina Rivkees

Christina Rivkees, age 68, passed away comfortably on a beautiful fall day on October 16, 2025, in her home in Newport, RI, after a lengthy illness. Tina was born to Bridget and Melvin Fistori in Boston, MA. After graduating from Medford High School, she attended nursing school at Massachusetts General Hospital and later the University of Massachusetts in Boston. Over her career, she cared for hundreds of patients and taught and inspired many in medicine. She worked at Massachusetts General Hospital, St. Vincent's Hospital in Indianapolis, St. Raphael Hospital in New Haven, and the University of Florida.

In 1984, she married Dr. Scott Rivkees, with whom she celebrated 42 years together. Tina shared her humor, independence, and spirit with their sons, Michael and Benjamin, her daughter-in-law, Lauren, and her grandchildren, Ryan and Hallie.

Tina was predeceased by her brother, Timothy. She is now remembered by her sisters, Mary O'Keefe, Terry Doherty, and Merlene Stone; her brothers- and sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.

Tina loved poetry, reading, music, planning parties, her son's sporting events, the Cliff Walk, and her little white dogs. Tina loved her friends, who will remember the laughs and celebrations that they had with her up until her final days.

Tina and her family thank the special caregivers, who dignified her life over the final difficult times.

Tina's spirit and joy will live on in all who were touched by the healing and happiness she brought. May her memory of how to live life be a blessing.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2025 from 10:00am-1:00pm in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, with a funeral service to follow at 1:00pm in the funeral home. Burial will be private.

Instead of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the PACE Organization of Rhode Island. 309 Spring Street, Suite A, Newport, RI 02840.