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Rita B. Rigney

Rita B. Rigney

  • May 26, 1930 - February 1, 2012
  • South Bend, Indiana
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“So sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. The Kopinski family. ”
1 of 8 | Posted by: Kim Cornelis (Kopinski) - IN

“I would like to extend my deeepest sympathy to Rita's family for their loss. I work at the Volcano Restaurant on LWW and I will miss taking her call...Read More » ”
2 of 8 | Posted by: Cindy Amador - South Bend, IN

“The Rigneys: I wanted to pass along my condolences on the loss of your mom. I'll always remember her and your father as two great people who had...Read More » ”
3 of 8 | Posted by: Patricia Klimek - Indianapolis IN

“Our thoughts and prays to you, The Cencelewski Family ”
4 of 8 | Posted by: Ken Cencelewski - south bend, IN

“I will never forget you mrs. Rigney you were a great friend and I will miss you. ”
5 of 8 | Posted by: Nicole Parahams

“All my love and hugs to peggy and her family, your mom was an amazing lady and i will always remember that smile of hers. I loved coming back to...Read More » ”
6 of 8 | Posted by: Mary Ellen Mantooth - Old Fort, TN

“Rita will be sadly missed. She meant a lot to my husband Tom and myself. I will miss sitting outside talking with her in the summer evenings. Our...Read More » ”
7 of 8 | Posted by: Mary Viner - South Bend, IN

“So sorry to hear of your lose. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends. ”
8 of 8 | Posted by: William & Doris Tepe - south bend, IN


Rita Barbara Rigney passed away suddenly but with family by her side on Wednesday afternoon February 1st, 2012. She was welcomed by her husband, son, and large family.

Rita was born the tenth of eleven children to Joseph and Harriet (Jadwiga) Sobecki Starczewski, while the St. Adalbert's church bells chimed 6PM. on May 26, 1930. Rita grew up in the heart of South Bend's west side Polish neighborhood in the home her parent's shared for 59 years. She attended St. Adalbert's grade school where she learned English, as only Polish was spoken at home. She then graduated from South Bend Catholic High School in 1948. She was a school cheerleader and enjoyed the drama club.

On May 1st, 1954 she married William P. Rigney in St. Adalbert's church in a Polish May Day ceremony. A beloved marriage of 53 years followed before Bill passed away on September, 29th 2007.

Rita is survived by two daughters. Mary Pat (Rick) Sapp of Indianapolis, IN. and Peggy (Jim) Roederer of Fishers, IN. and a son James F. (Rhonda) Rigney of Mishawaka, IN. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, William (Billy) P. Rigney Jr. on April 30, 1965.

There are eight grandchildren who meant the world to her: Kathleen(D.J.) Mote of Madison, IN., Joseph P. Sapp of Indianapolis, IN., Zachary S. and Dane W. Rigney of Fishers, IN., J. Tyler Rigney of Erie, PA., Elizabeth R. and Michael D. Roederer of Bloomington, IN., and J. Quinn Roederer of Fishers, IN. There is one great granddaughter, Hunter Kathleen Mote, of Madison, IN.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers, Joseph, Leonard, Benedict, Walter, Hillary, and Arthur and by her four sisters Geraldine Walowski, Bridget Norman, Loretta Pulaski, and Delphine Kaczmarek. Many loving nieces and nephews will miss her.

Rita cherished and dearly loved her neighbors, most of who have lived side by side with her for over 50 years. They deeply cared for and continuously looked out for each other. Mom loved to go "porching" and visit with all her special neighbors when the weather was warm. Special heartfelt thanks are extended to Bill and Dianna Sorukas, Norm and Erna Woltman, Nancy Woltman, Tom and Mary Viner, and James and Carrie Bridgeman. Thank you to her special caregiver Nicole Paraham.

Mom loved her St Joe Indians, and the Fighting Irish. She would listen to the games the old-fashioned way, on the radio, if she could not attend the games. Mom also loved her trips to the Blue Chip Casino with her neighbors, who were faithful in taking her with them. Mom and Dad were founding members of St John the Baptist Church and long time members of the University Club.

Visitation with the family will be at St. John the Baptist Church on Saturday February 11th, 2012 from 11AM until 1PM, with a Mass of Christian Burial following at 1 PM. Interment will be at Highland Cemetery at a later date.

In her memory, contributions may be made to the St. Joseph's High School Scholarship Fund at 1441 N. Michigan St. South Bend, IN.

Kaniewski Funeral Home, South Bend, IN is handling arrangements. To send condolences, please visit, www.kaniewski.com.