Rosemary Riggs

RIGGS, Rosemary
(Age 87)

On March 19, 2011, Rosemary Riggs peacefully entered into heaven with family members at her side. Born Sept. 4, 1923 in Gouverneur, NY to Joseph and Teresa Scalzo, Rosemary spent her childhood between Watertown and Waverly, NY.
A wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Rosemary was a woman of many talents. She was an outstanding athlete in track and basketball, loved drama and acting and had a work ethic hard to surpass. Following high school, Rosemary moved to Washington D.C. for a brief period where she worked for the U.S. Customs Office and subsequently accepted a transfer back to her beloved New York. She often spoke of how she had a perfect view of the Statue of Liberty from her office at the tip of Manhattan Island and never let go of her love of the city.
In 1942, Rosemary met the love of her life, Sanford H. (Sandy) Riggs, while he was training in New York for the U.S. Coast Guard. Upon Sandy's honorable discharge from the Coast Guard in 1944, the couple moved west to his hometown of Tekoa, Wash., to be married.
For the next ten years, Rosemary worked in Tekoa as a secretary for Woodruff Seed and an attorney firm. In 1954, when her husband accepted a position in Spokane Valley with Potlatch Yards, Rosemary transitioned her career to Spokane and entered the field of education. She was secretary to the superintendent at East Valley School District, eventually moving to the Central Valley School District (CVSD) where she was the secretary for Broadway Elementary and then North Pines Junior High. Rosemary spent the remainder of her career as payroll officer for CVSD and retired in 1982. After her retirement Rosemary volunteered for many years at both Valley Hospital and Sacred Heart Medical Center. Also she often volunteered to read in the school classroom of her grandson's.
Rosemary is remembered for the tremendous love she had for her family and friends. She was a woman whose nature could tame a lion, whose smile melted hearts, and whose compassion was inspiring. A woman who loved unendingly, without hesitation or question. Rosemary lived for her family and brought joy to all who had the privilege of knowing her. She and Sandy loved to travel, visiting family and friends together. At home, Rosemary found joy in playing games with her grandsons and was an enthusiastic spectator at nearly every sporting event her children and grandsons participated in.
Rosemary is survived by her son Gary Riggs, wife Colleen and grandson Rob of Pacific Beach, WA; her son Sandy Riggs, wife Michelle of Spokane, grandson John, wife Shannon and great-granddaughter Mikayla of Hillsboro, OR.; and grandsons Bryan and Max of Spokane; her daughter Kathy Wiles, husband Dean and grandsons Jeremy and Brandon of Spokane.
"Mom, Grandma, Nonnie, thank you for your love, devotion and support. We miss you beyond belief, yet are happy you are now healed and once again by Dad's side where you're able to watch over us each and every day."
A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. Paschal's Parish, 2600 N. Park Road in Spokane Valley on Friday, April 1 at 1:30 p.m. A reception will follow in the church rectory. A private family burial will be held at the Rosalia Cemetery the following day.
The family wishes to thank Pine Ridge Alzheimer's Special Care Facility and Hospice of Spokane for their care, support, prayers and companionship. In lieu of flowers and in celebration of Rosemary's love of children, the family requests donations be made to the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery, 1004 E 8th Ave., Spokane, WA 99202; the Hutton Settlement, 422 W. Riverside Ave., Suite 931, Spokane, WA 99201; or a charity of your choice.