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Rigel Flaherty Obituary
Dec. 4, 1970 - Sept. 19, 2016
Resident of Santa Cruz
Rigel Ann Flaherty passed away in Santa Cruz after a 25 year battle with mental illness and addiction. She was named after a star and she shone brightly in many constellations: as a mother, a daughter, a crusader for the mental health community and as a much loved friend.
Her too short life, though, did bring many joys with her family, friends and her travels to most of the continental United States, Ireland, Mexico, Europe and her great favorite, Hawaii where her stepfather lived. She graduated from Santa Cruz High School, attended Cabrillo College, San Francisco State University and had recently enrolled at CSUMB.
Her education, hard work, personal commitment and perseverance brought to life a new and successful mental health program for Santa Cruz County - 2nd Story Respite House through Encompass Community Services. She was the founding Program Manager. Her struggle to eliminate the stigma of mental illness was ongoing and discouraging. As it was once said, if someone has cancer, we do not say, "She is cancer." But someone with bipolar illness is often described by saying, "She is bi-polar."
Rigel is survived by her parents John Flaherty and Kathleen Hilger; her adored sons John Douglas and Jacob Porter; their father Douglas Porter; her brother Ken, his wife Ami Davis and their son Calvin; her aunts Barbara Kavanagh and Kristin Beall; her cousins Tony and Kristen Kavanagh and their daughter Jessie; Michael and Anne Marie Kavanagh and their daughter Emily; and her loving and extended family Harold Moodie; Charles Hilger; Karl Coffield; Penny and Glenn Davis and their children Nick and Meagan; Wayne and Lisa Morgan and their children Amanda, Zach and Melissa; Deb Dolsberry; Andrea Flaherty and innumerable close friends and colleagues. Our hearts are broken; but she is forever in our hearts and her zesty, witty spirit will live on.
A family gathering is planned and any gifts made in her name would be appreciated by Encompass Community Services, Santa Cruz.
View the online memorial for Rigel Ann Flaherty
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rigel Flaherty
Sponsored by santacruzsentinel.com.
Ksren Dawson
September 19, 2022
Hello. I think of Rigel often and her strong and sweet spirit. I miss her. Karen Dawson
Bill Sutton
December 7, 2016
Rigel, I miss your smile, I miss your jokes and the fun times we shared. We'll meet again someday.
Ken Moodie
September 29, 2016
Rigel, you are sorely missed but I'm gladdened to hear about all the positive ways you've touched people's lives.
Wanted to share a lovely letter AC Smith wrote about her passing here: https://www.facebook.com/notes/ac-smith/for-r/10153681672811652
September 25, 2016
We and no idea that Rigel was fighting this battle but through it all, she was a hero, our hero for in her life and now in her passing, she has left a legacy that will help many over the years. Rigel helped us out around the house and it was always a joy to see her beautiful smile and spirit when she came here. She loved music and it kept her going, I know. For your gathering if you are planning on inviting acquaintances, we'd love to know about it if possible. God Bless and God Bless all that Rigel was to all of us. She left the world a better place
Jane Parks-McKay and Tim McKay, Santa Cruz
September 25, 2016
So sorry for all her friends and family. She was much too young to leave.
Kathleen Stratton
September 24, 2016
Blessed be MO STÓR!
Elizabeth Gordon
September 24, 2016
I love you Rigel
Just a Girl https://g.co/kgs/jqth0w
Karen Harrington
September 24, 2016
My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Felicia Palmer
September 24, 2016
Gone way to soon but never forgotten
AC Smith
September 23, 2016
Many of us are so deeply saddened by your leaving.
I hope and trust you have found peace and joy at last.
Your light was blue white, and will be long remembered with love.
Frances Freeman
September 23, 2016
My condolences to the family. She was a nice and pleasant person with a beautiful smile. Rest in peace your struggles are over angel.
sue muttersbach
September 23, 2016
Dear Rigel,
You left too soon. A beautiful, wonderful person with a spirit that will be missed here on earth but hopefully soaring with the angels now.
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