Marilou Nicklas

Marilou Nicklas, age 87, of Mars, formerly of McCandless Township, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, September 29, 2025.
She was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on September 22, 1938, to the late William and Louise (Wenzelburger) Faller. Marilou grew up in Ross Township near Bellevue and graduated from Westview High School in 1956.
Marilou was married to Raymond Rigdon and together raised their four children in McCandless Township, providing a wonderful upbringing with memories like their annual family trips to the shores of New Jersey.
Once her children were old enough, Marilou returned to work - always industrious, practical and hardworking, she worked well into her 70s.
Faith was a source of strength and joy to Marilou. She was an active member first at St. Paul's Lutheran Church and later at Perry Highway Lutheran Church, where she worshiped and served for more than 30 years.
Marilou had a passion for life and will be remembered for her loving, kind nature, her fun spirit, and her positive energy towards everything she did. She enjoyed being social and treasured the many friendships she made. With her adventurous spirit, Marilou traveled to extraordinary places -from Yosemite to Tahiti-and experienced the world.
It was later in life that she met her last loving partner at church, the Rev. Andrew Carlsson, who passed away from illness in March. They enjoyed their last years at Overbrook Pointe, where they made memories and friendships together.
As a mother, Marilou was simply exceptional. Her ever-loving presence and the unconditional support she gave her children throughout their lives will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
Marilou is survived by her sons Gary Rigdon (Edie Tamburro) of McCandless Township, Randy Rigdon (Anna) of Kentucky, and James Rigdon (Kathy) of Washington, D.C.; by her daughter, Jodi Griswold (Oliver) of Marshall Township; and by her five grandchildren, Randall Jr. and Matthew Rigdon, and Beck, Meghan, and Trey Griswold. She is also survived by her brother, Richard Faller of Tionesta.
She was preceded in death by her companion, the Rev. Andrew Carlsson; her first husband, Raymond Rigdon; her second husband, Thomas Nicklas; and her brother, Paul Faller.
Services are scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Perry Highway Lutheran Church, 11403 Perry Highway, Wexford PA. A welcome and brief visitation will start at 12:00 pm. Services will begin at 12:30 pm. A luncheon will be held after at the church. A private burial will be in Allegheny County Memorial Park at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Perry Highway Lutheran Church.
McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home in Mars, PA is assisting the family with arrangements and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.