Pat was an accomplished artist, photographer, and civic activist, living in Land O' Lakes, Fla. She grew to dislike her given name during her early years in boarding schools, when relatives persisted in calling her "poor little Rita.” She used her Confirmation name during high school, and made the change official when she married.

Pat studied art at Utah State University. Following her marriage to Col. George Pieper, the couple lived at various U.S. Air Force bases, including 3 years in Alaska. Her paintings and photography were shown in many exhibitions over the years. After George’s death, she became a civic leader in Pasco Co., Fla., serving on the board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and she was active in veterans’ organizations, numerous animal rights groups and the Sierra Club. Pat had a strong interest in her heritage, especially her lineage connected to the steel magnate Charles Schwab and the tuberculosis treatment pioneer, Dr. Lawrence Flick.

Pat often related her anecdote about running away from home, with her dog Snookie, to see her famous grand-uncle Charlie Schwab. She arrived at the door of Schwab’s Riverside mansion in NYC and was admitted by the butler. Charlie and his wife Rainey were working on a jigsaw puzzle at the time. Rather then reveal she had run away, Pat told them she was visiting the city with her 22 classmates. The Schwabs proceeded to have their staff prepare 22 box lunches, which Pat took with her at the conclusion of the visit.

George was in the Air Force, and was a veteran of the Korean War.

Russell was a U.S. Coast Guard officer.