JEAN RIGG

RIGG--Jean, died peacefully at her home in Cedar Key, Florida, on March 11, 2015, after an energetic and exceptionally varied life. Diagnosed with lung cancer, she had the help in her last months of her sister and friends, both local and from further away, who were with her at the end. Jean was born in Chicago, on November 17, 1938, the only child of Emily De Beukelaer and Jack Wallen. Her parents divorced, and Jean's mother married Col. Robert Rigg, who adopted Jean. His military assignments at the close of World War II took the family abroad, and Jean spent part of her early childhood in China. She grew up in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C, then attended Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. After graduation, she moved to New York City, where she taught school on Staten Island. In the 1960s, she joined the orbit of the Cunningham Dance Company, eventually becoming its administrator, a role that called upon her delight in responding to new challenges and unanticipated problems. Jean made many long-lasting friendships in the company and with the large circle of artists, musicians, and others who collaborated on Cunningham's projects. She left her position with Cunningham to attend Cardozo Law School, graduating in 1979. As she looked for the legal job she wanted, for a time she drove a taxicab in New York City. Jean went on to work in the television industry, but continued to be involved with the Cunningham circle. Jean's lifelong interest in artistic experimentation also drew her into the work of the Judson Memorial Church. She was a founder of the annual marathon readings of Gertrude Stein's The Making of Americans. After Cunningham's death in 2009, she helped see to completion a multivolume CD collection of music composed to accompany many of his dances. In 2000 she bought her house in Cedar Key, and threw herself into activities there. Joined in her later years by her beloved partner, Amber Harris, Jean never ceased seeking out unusual opportunities. All who knew her will remember her infectious laugh and her eager interest in others, old and young. Jean did not want a funeral or a memorial service; she preferred a celebration. She is survived by her brother, Bill Rigg, of Melbourne, Florida, her sisters, Ginny McLaren, of Columbia, SC, and Jackie Wallen of Takoma Park, Maryland, and by numerous cousins.