Condolences

Guestbook

At the back of the church was a guestbook in which Mass attendees could enter their name. The guestbook has turned out to be a valuable keepsake. Entries were made on six pages, shown below. As a courtesy to those who entered a street address, I have blurred it out.

Guestbook page 1   Guestbook page 2
Guestbook Page 1   Guestbook Page 2
 
Guestbook page 1   Guestbook page 2
Guestbook Page 3   Guestbook Page 4
 
Guestbook page 1   Guestbook page 2
Guestbook Page 5   Guestbook Page 6

Condolences Received by Card, Email, and Facebook

I am grateful to all those who extended their condolences to our family after Mary died. My children and I have received many sympathetic messages by card, email, and Facebook. (I was only able to publish a few of the Facebook messages here.) Because Mary's memory is so dear to me, carefully reading and in almost all cases acknowledging almost all these communications has served as therapy, helping to alleviate the ache in my heart that Mary's loss has created.

Condolences received
SOURCE FROM SELECTED CONTENTS
Email Raj & Munie Parikh Our deepest condolences to you for your loss.
Email Lacy We are so sorry to hear about Mary’s passing.
Email Chris & John Murray We are thankful she is now at peace.
Email Jim Vigil My condolences go out to you and the family.
Email Kirk Kahoe She will be missed by everyone she knew and loved.
Email Toni Friedman (L's cousin) Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Email Giuseppe Calderaro Our sincere condolences and prayers are with you.
Email Paul Citro (L's cousin) Memories of Mary and her spirit will live on.
Email Heather McGee I found myself overcome and couldn't find the words to comment.
Email Sr. Anita Stacy I wanted to tell you how we will be supporting you in prayer. I hope you still feel her spiritual presence as she will never leave you.
Email Darell Clark I am sorry to hear of your loss.
Email Steve Schweigert Very sorry to hear of her passing. She was a real lady.
Email Julie Braden My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.
Email Ron & Vonnee Tatham We will often remember her for being a good and caring person.
Email Gail Brockett I am sending my condolences to you and your family.
Email Gary McGrath We are very sorry for your loss.
Email Mike & Marti Darnall I am so sorry you lost your dear wife Mary.
Email Miriam Burtoff (L's cousin) I will always remember Mary in my thoughts and prayers.
Email Peter & Alexis Fraatz We are so sorry to learn of the sad loss of Mary.
Email Ronda Searls We're all going to miss her - her adventurous heart and sense of fun, and loving acceptance.
Email Linda & Marshall Riggs (L's brother) Now she can rest in the loving arms of our Lord. I’m sure she is looking down with great joy, peace, and pride at how beautiful, loving, and caring her family is.
Email Cathy Winchell My heart goes out to you and the family.
Email Maria Amony God, you took Mom Christine, now you have also taken Mom Mary, what do you really mean?
Email Dennis & Carrie Crawford We are deeply saddened to learn of Mary's death.
Email Vicki Vuoso Our condolences to you and your family, Larry. Our prayers are that God will put His arms around each and everyone of you during this difficult time and help you to feel His peace. With sincere sympathy.
Email Alvin & Rose Schultz I am so sorry for your loss.
Email Jackie Last (M's aunt) I have so many happy memories of Muffy.
Email Merril Simon (CSUN) Knowing Mary inspired me to be a better teacher each time I spoke with her. She was one whom many of us learned how to be more effective and efficient. I loved her bag of "just in case the things I have planned end early or are not going well, here are some activities to do."
Email Darin, Susanne & Chase Our family is so sorry and sad for your loss. Rest in peace, Mary, and we know you are in heaven with your other family and friends....with no more pain, and lots of love.
Email Stew Peters (L's cousin) I was very sad to hear about your loss. Please offer my deepest sympathy to you and your children.
Email Judy Stocking Judy has made a gift to the American Cancer Society.
Email Cheryl Spector (CSUN) Mary’s creativity and superb teaching have had a powerful and positive effect on U100 (whether you know it or not). We’re very lucky to have benefited from her generous collegiality. I am sure that her memory will, in time, be a blessing to many of us. She certainly has made a difference to many, many students. [Cheryl posted the tribute below.]
Tribute to Mary on CSUN site
Email Frankie Augustin (CSUN) My heart sank when I read this. I will miss her beautiful heart. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Email Mark Pilkinton (M's cousin) Mary was such a wonderful person, a good person, a delightful person, a pretty person inside and out. Cancer is indeed a nasty disease, and we will make a contribution in Mary's memory to the American Cancer Society.
Email Jeannine Blakefield Mary was a delightful human being. She will be missed forever.
Email Camille Van Ast In memory of Mary Riggs, Camille has made a gift to the American Cancer Society.
Email Kathy Jasper I am so sorry about Mary. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Email Judy Sliter Thank you for letting me know about Mary passing away. I am SO sorry for your loss. I know how hard she fought and I’m happy that she is no longer in pain. How nice that she was surrounded by all of your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Email Stuart & Sarah Harrison Thanks for your email even though it brings very sad news. We prayed for Mary, you and the family at our church service this morning. We used this beautiful prayer to remember all who have died recently:
Go gently on your voyage, beloved
Slip away with the ebb tide,
rejoice in a new sunrise.
May the moon make a path across the sea for you,
the (Jesus the) Son provide a welcome.
May the earth receive you
as you go from our love
into the presence of Love’s completeness.
It was written by Kate McIllhagga, who was a member of the Iona Community but, who too has now passed on.
I remember staying with you in February 1983. You put us up for a few days while we went to Disneyland and Universal Studios; I have just looked up the photographs. You took us to Leo Carrillo State Beach where the children (yours and ours) dug a big hole in the sand. I remember your family being very welcoming.
We hope that the service on Saturday will be a fitting tribute to a beautiful person.
With our condolences and very best wishes.
Email Wayne & Marilyn Smith Our condolences to you and your family.
Mary’s was a life well lived but far too short.
It was good for her and all of you that you were able to share that last moment of love.
We have others in our life who have been touched by this disease. One day the final cure will be found and your support of the Komen walks will be part of the effort. We have joined our niece who is a survivor in Fresno for the walks and when we did we always talked of Mary.
Our thoughts are with you.
Email David & Kate Murray So sorry to learn of this sad news. I never know what to say in this kind of situation, except to let you know that we are sending good thoughts your way. Kate and I browsed around the web site and left our condolences there too. She sends her fond regards.
Email Gonny & Josef Zimmermann Josef and I are terribly sorry to hear about Mary's passing. Her death has shocked and saddened us. She was an outstanding person. May she rest in peace. Please know that we are thinking of you at this sad time and share in your grief. We hope your wonderful memories will sustain you. God bless you and your family. With our deepest sympathy.
Email Jane Coccia My prayers are with you and your family.
Email Noelle & Andy Searls We just couldn't be more sorry about Mary's passing, and you continue to be regularly in our thoughts and in our prayers.
Email Pat Stotko I am at a loss for words except to say how sorry I am to hear of Mary’s passing. She was a delightful lady and will be much missed. You and your family are in my prayers.
Email Peter Steiert (my work colleague in Freiburg Germany) It's hard for me to find the right words for what happened to your family as Mary passed away. Today, on her birthday [written Feb 15], I just want to say: I think of you. And I remember especially how happy you were when Mary came over to Freiburg to visit you and even my place in Herbolzheim - about 20 years ago [Jun 2001]. Then our last encounter 10 years ago [May 2008] in the Appalachian Mountains, together with Marie [Peter's daughter].
FB Margie & Alex DiMartini (Margie is L's cousin) Words don't do justice to my heart's feelings. You and Mary are forever Larry and Mary.
FB Walter Fong Thinking about you at this time. Sorry for your loss.
FB Toni Citro (L's cousin) I am so very sorry, Larry. I know words aren't enough to comfort during this time. Mary was such a brave, patient and beautiful person with intelligence and wit to match. Our parents always bragged about you and Mary and the wonderful family you have. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you.
FB Carol Kingsly (L's cousin) I’m so sorry to hear about your wife’s passing.
FB Tom Zizzo (L's cousin) So sorry Larry, I am holding you and your family in my heart.
FB James Citro (L's cousin) Larry I am so sorry. I call cancer the devil it causes problems everywhere. I am still fighting the devil so far I am ahead. Dad always bragged on how smart you are. May God bless you and your family. I will keep you in my prayers.
FB Liz Spears Williams (L's cousin) I'm so sorry for your loss, prayers for peace and comfort.
FB Art Catapang Allow me to share your loss, Larry.
FB Tracey Cheetham Larry, I’m so sorry and send my love and sympathy to you and your family. I have lovely memories of Mary and the time we spent together in Galapagos.
Card Johnny & Louise Smith Mary is enrolled in the Sacred Heart Association and, among other benefits, will share in a daily Mass in Rome for perpetuity.
Card Katie, Mike, Deborah & Rachel Hutchings Our deepest sympathy to you all; cherish the memories and fun times.
Card Darren Humphrey Mary was a wonderful person and I'm blessed to have known her since I was so young.
Card Tom Sue & the Reyes Family Through all her challenges and obstacles she never complained. Hold your family tight and continue to nourish all the seeds Mary planted.
Card Bonnie Rogers (L's cousin) I will always have fond and fun, warm memories of Mary when we visited the Riggs home when I was a child. You all have a special place in my heart.
Card Bryce, Christina, Brynn & Eva Coleman We send healing thoughts and love to mend your broken heart.
Card Michael & Lily Goldfarb She was a wonderful lady.
Card Butch & Renee Graves She is at peace and pain free. We will miss her; she was a grand lady. We celebrate her life with you.
Card Graham & Pat Wisdom Mary was a very special person, and she led such a wonderful life that touched and helped so many.
Card Pam & Gary Slater May you all find comfort in knowing Our Lord Jesus has brought Mary safely home.
Card Jeanie Maxwell (L's cousin) Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. With sympathy and prayers. Love, your cousin.
Card Margaret Westly (M's cousin) My thoughts and prayers are with you all. (In memory of Mary, Margaret has also made a gift to the American Cancer Society.)
Card Joan Funk In memory of Mary, she has made a gift to the American Cancer Society.
Card Kathy & Vern Pound (Kathy is M's cousin) Muffy was a very special person. May your happy memories sustain you in the days ahead.
Card Sue & Phil Thompson A Mass at 8 am on May 1 at Mary Health of the Sick Chapel was offered for the repose of Mary's soul.
Card Sr. Antoinette Marie Moon May she be eternally happy living face to face with her good and loving God. Mary will be remembered in an annual novena of Masses on November 1-9 at the Notre Dame Center chapel.
Card Joe & Karen Vampa Mary will be remembered by the priests at the Sacred Heart Monastery in Hales Corners, WI, in their daily Masses and prayers.
Card Dave & Jacque Sanders Mary has been granted perpetual enrollment in the Carmelite Society of Prayer, and shares for perpetuity the Masses, prayer, and good works of the Carmelite friars.
Card Lori & Brian Morefield You are all in our hearts and prayers. (Lori and Brian have also made a donation to the American Cancer Society.)
Card Suzy & Fred Moore We extend deep and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
Card Carolyn & Russ Goodenough Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time.
Card Patty Imbiorski Mary and I went to elementary school together and we (my husband Jim and I) attended your wedding. I will miss the Christmas letter and photo.
Card John & Elaine Skeete Our sorrow for Mary's passing and for your loss runs very deep. As the memories surface and float by, I hear her laughter, her voice, her always good counsel. (They included What Is Dying? by Henry Van Dyke.)
Card Bob & Bernadette Kilbane Mary has been enrolled in the Seraphic Mass Association and will perpetually share in special novenas of Masses throughout the year. And they wrote, "What a beautiful woman Mary was, and always will be, in your heart and memory!"
Card Tony & Patti Vescio May God's love bring you comfort and peace during this difficult time. Mary will be remembered in daily Masses for a year by the Sacred Heart Southern Missions. (Tony and Patti also made a donation to the American Cancer Society.)
Card Nelly, Julie & Karen Kabayashi Thinking of you in prayers during this difficult time.
Card Mikaela Collerd I am so sorry to hear about Mary. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Card Connie & Jim Olson Mary has been a beacon of light to so many in so many ways over the years. Her love of learning has planted seeds for all her students that will live on for a very long time.
Card Lee & Anna Wells We are so sorry. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Card Patty, Steve, Megan, Kate & Matthew Pemberton (Patty is M's cousin) As the youngest of the Burke girls, I remember her visiting us in Boise when I was a little girl. She was so pretty and smart. I know you will all miss her and I'm sorry she had to suffer.
Card Tom Tichenor (M's cousin) I was very sorry to hear of Mary's passing. I was really glad to have met you and her in 2008. I'm thinking of you with caring thoughts and deepest sympathy.
Card Jackie Last (M's aunt) I had so many memories of Muffy yesterday as I attended a service for a friend. One song was "How Great Thou Art," which is a favorite of mine. (Jackie also made a donation to the American Cancer Society.)
Card Kathy & Dean Jones (Kathy is M's cousin) We are sorry and sad to learn about Muffy. She was a lovely lady and so full of life. We enjoyed our visits with her when she came to Idaho.
Card Deb Patterson Muffy was a great model for me in many ways — an engaged, warm, thoughtful teacher, artist — she had many talents.
Card Claudia & Loren Grossi I will always treasure the friendship and opportunity to work with Mary. She was truly a joy to know. (Claudia and Loren also made a donation to the American Cancer Society.)
Card Fr. Paul Hruby It was a privilege to have celebrated Mary's Mass last week. She was a gift to all who knew her and I am most blessed to have known her.
Card Christine & Klaus Hornung We are so sorry for the loss of Mary, your companion for 51 years. We send our heartfelt condolences to you and the whole famiily.
Card Michael, Bernadette, Isaac & Emma (Michael is M's brother) We'll celebrate our great memories of Mary and mourn her passing as well. We're glad we could all be together to celebrate her wonderful life and what she meant to all of us.
Card Sandy, Bill & Darren Humphrey We're thinking of you with sympathy. We hope the book Journey of Souls brings some comfort in your lives.
Card Jim & Julie Braden & Family We are so sorry for your loss. Mary will be greatly missed. Mary will share for perpetuity in the prayers, sacrifices, and good works, including daily remembrance at Masses offered by the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement at Graymoor and throughout the world.
Card Chris & John Murray Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mary will be missed by all. (Chris and John made a donation to the American Cancer Society.)
Card Tracy Lam Riggs Family: I had your wife/mother as a student at CSUN in 2005; she was an amazing and patient person.
Card Toni & Steve Friedman (Toni is L's cousin) Thinking of you and sending our sincere condolences. One day soon...may your loving memories bring a smile to your hearts.
Card Joan Funk & Dolores Modolo God be with you through this difficult time. Please know you're in our prayers and on our hearts.
Card Roberta & Jerry Sellman (Roberta is M's cousin) Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We were so sorry to hear about Muffy.
Card Patty & Erik Disen We were so sad to hear of the passing of your beautiful and extraordinary Mary. We know that it is heartbreaking to lose her and that you will miss her beyond measure.
Card Susan Whitney (M's cousin) I have fond memories of Mary. I am so glad we got to visit with both of you when you were in Boise several summers ago. Mary was a special lady.
Card Kathy McCaffery I'm so sorry for your loss. Mary was a very nice lady.
Card Sally Kutcher Mary, courtesy of St. Julie's Helping Hands, will share for perpetuity in the prayers, Masses, and good works offered by the Marianists.
Card PMP Management Company (Our HOA Management Company) Their card was signed by over 30 office employees including Mikaela, who also appears above. One page reads, "We hope you feel comforted just knowing we're thinking of you."
Card Nydia Jackson Mary touched many lives with warmth and caring, and she will be missed by so many! (Nydia has also made a gift to the American Cancer Society.)
Card Stephanie Griffiths I am so sorry for your loss.
Card Tom & Karen Hartt We are very sorry for your loss, and pray you will find comfort in years ahead. I am thankful for your friendship.
Card Ron & Janet Bourassa We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Mary. You are in our thoughts.
Card Barbara & Bill Weber A Mass for the repose of Mary's soul was offered at 9 am on Sunday March 25, Palm Sunday, at St. Bede's Catholic Church in La Canada. Msgr. Antonio Cacciopuoti, the pastor, was the Mass officiant.
Mary's name in bulletin after memorial Mass
Card Grace Lagarde & Charlene Park Take care and God bless always. Thinking of you and your family. I will keep you in my prayers.
Card Luba Silbert So sorry to hear of your loss.
Card Bob Hicks My deepest sympathy to you on the passing of your wife.
Card Clare Chauvin For one year, Mary will share in monthly Masses for healing that will be celebrated at the sacred grotto in Lourdes, France, and the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, IL.
Card Kathy & Donald Reese Mary has been enrolled in the Sacred Heart Spiritual Blessing and will share for one year in the daily Masses and prayers offered by the Spiritual Society.
Card John & Marie Jendian Mary has been enrolled for perpetuity and will share in the daily Masses and prayers of the Passionist Community in Park Ridge, IL.
Card Teri & Bob Hanmer Some of my fondest memories of Mary was listening to her story telling camping at Leo Carrillo. We made a donation to the American Cancer Society in her name.
Card Kay Saavedra A dear lady whose company I enjoyed at Sunday coffees. A life well lived. May she rest in peace.
Card Marilyn Frangiamore Mary will share for perpetuity in the prayers, Masses, and good works offered by the Marianists.
Card Kat Clesceri I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved wife. She's with the elect now, and one day you'll join her there.
Card Paula & Bernie Bruch Mary will be remembered by the priests at the Sacred Heart Monastery in Hales Corners, WI, in their daily Masses and prayers.
Card Jan Segal May it help in your time of sadness to know we are thinking of you and share your sorrow. Our prayers are with you.
Card Patty Disen In memory of Mary, she has made a gift to the American Cancer Society.
Card Joan Turner May it help in your time of sadness to know we are thinking of you and share your sorrow. Our prayers are with you.
Card Camille Van Ast May it help in your time of sadness to know we are thinking of you and share your sorrow. Our prayers are with you.
Card Mary Gillmore May it help in your time of sadness to know we are thinking of you and share your sorrow. Our prayers are with you.
Card Chris & Karen Seemann I have hanging in my office the beautiful painting of Morro Bay that Mary painted. It is a constant reminder of Mary and her incredible talent. I say a prayer for her every time I look at the painting. (And thanks to Chris and Karen, the 9:30 am Mass on Aug 19, 2018, at St. Julie's will be offered up for Mary's soul.)
Memorial Mass offered for Mary
Card Nan Aguirre Truly a beloved wife and mother. You have taken care of her in this time of her illness and suffering. Mary and I spent a lot of time talking at Larry's and my reunion in Sep 2017. She was a lovely, creative, and talented woman and will be missed.
Card Toni Friedman (L's cousin) In memory of Mary, she has made a gift to the American Cancer Society.
Card Volker & Marion Kay (Volker is L's son) We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and your wife Mary. We would like to express our sorrows and condolences to you and your family, also on behalf of Manfred, Betty, Christa, Torsten, Brit, Ingo, Kristina, and kids. Please know that Mary will be remembered in our hearts. [Note: Betty is Volker's mother.] (Volker and Marion have also made a donation to the American Cancer Society.)
Card Dian Valeriano I was saddened to learn of your loss, and very sorry to hear of Mary's death. My prayers are with you daily.
Card Bo, Jeff & Braydan Freeman God be with you through this difficult time. Please know you're in our prayers and in our hearts. Our deepest condolences.
Card Toni Citro & Mark Hamrock (Toni is L's cousin) I'm so sorry. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Let us know if you need anything.
Card Jane (Sawyer) Nichols I was one of her friends at your wedding. I know how happy she was to meet you. She was a super Rampage editor in HS [Ramona HS in Riverside, CA—they were Ramona Rams!] and she got me involved in the school paper. We were the two who schemed to go abroad for a semester, but my parents said “no!” [Mary went to Argentina and it changed her life.] I’m so very glad that we got to share time at our 50th Reunion. I have only good memories of Mary. We made it pretty far… Love to you and the family you and Mary created.
Card Mark, Debbie, Ashley, Brittany & Steven Bradley You're in our thoughts and prayers.
Card Mike & Margo Montgomery For one year, as a gift of heartfelt sympathy, the monks of St. Benedict's Abbey in Benet Lake, WI, will remember Mary's soul in their Masses and prayers.
Card Cathy Winchell Cathy has made a gift to the American Cancer Society.
Card Warren & Judy Searls Warren and Judy have made a gift to the American Cancer Society.
Card Andy & Noelle Searls Andy and Noelle have made a gift to the American Cancer Society.
Card Joe & Dee Cancilla Joe and Dee have made a gift to the American Cancer Society.
Card Jim & Martha Ford Mary will be remembered by the priests at the Sacred Heart Monastery in Hales Corners, WI, in their daily Masses and prayers.
Card Jack Brennan Jack has made a gift to the American Cancer Society.
Card Jane Coccia Jane has made a gift to the American Cancer Society.
Card Betsy Potts Betsy has made a gift to the American Cancer Society.
Card Jim Hogan Jim has made a gift to the American Cancer Society.
Card Linda & Marshall Riggs (Marshall is L's brother) Linda and Marshall have made a gift to the American Cancer Society.
Card Judy Searls (Friends since 1969) To all the Riggses: "Never forgotten, always missed, forever loved" Love from all the Searls (Judy and Warren and kids Ronda and Andy).
Card Ryan Patterson Hope it helps to know that many heartfelt thoughts are with you and your family.
Card Vic, Bill, Liam, & Catie McCarthy (Vic is M's cousin) We were so sorry to hear of your loss.
Card Stu & Renate Smith So sorry for your loss. All of you are in our prayers. Our deepest sympathy. 
Card Heather and John Lackey John and I wish you peace during this time of loss. I know you have built a strong and supportive family, and I take great comfort in knowing they are there for you. You are a wonderful man, and I will forever be grateful our paths crossed in life.
Card Tom & Lisa Burke (Tom is M's nephew) "With deepest sympathy and love," stated the card included with the fruit and nut medley shipment from Olive & Cocoa.
Card Pat Stotko For one year, Mary will share in daily Masses, prayers, and good works of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, IL, and in Oblate missions throughout the world.
Card Kateri & Ken Tobias I have such fond memories of Mary and the years we spent as neighbors. She will be missed.
Card Susan & Ron Bellomo (Mary was Susan's 1965 UCR roommate -- had it not been for Susan I would never have met Mary) It is so hard to say goodby to your love. Thank you and your wonderful family for surrounding Mary with love and warmth.
Card Barbara Shannon (Barbara knew Mary since the 1980s) Mary & I were teacher/artist friends for many many years. She was a constant pleasure & inspiration in my Painting classes... someone who made this world a brighter and better place.