Obituary of Helen Rigo

Helen Rigo, 99, of Endwell, peacefully passed into eternal life on Saturday, November 23, 2013, joining John, her beloved husband of 67 years. Helen was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, a ray of sunshine and love who generously gave of herself to others. Her proudest accomplishment was raising her three children with her husband at her side. She took enormous pride in the many achievements of her grandchildren. She taught her family the true meaning of love and the value of service and sacrifice. Helen's passions were preparing her many ethnic dishes and tending to her flourishing gardens. Each member of her family has unique memories of "Grandma," but all agree that her radiant smile, infectious giggle, enormous bear hugs, and sweet, gentle nature will always be a part of them. She was predeceased by her son, John Jr.; her grandson, David; her sisters, Grace, Christine, Ada; and brothers, Clem and Adam. Those left to cherish her memories include her daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Thomas Mollen of Endwell; her son and daughter-in-law, Stanley and Shirley Rigo of Binghamton; grandchildren, Laura (Thomas) Comerford of Vestal and their children, Thomas, Patrick, and Caroline; Drs. Thomas (Cynthia) Mollen of Philadelphia, PA and their daughters, Anna and Claire; Dr. Kevin (Rachel) Mollen of Pittsburgh, PA and their children, Julia, Morgan Helen, Sadie, and William; Debbie Rigo of California; Michael Rigo of Johnson City and his children, Christopher and Nicole; Diane (Doug) Hess of Virginia and their children, Jessica, Matthew, and Daniel; Cathy (Randy) McGreal of Binghamton and their sons, Ryan and Shawn; Linda (Christopher) Osterlitz of Oregon and their son, Eli; Liza (Calloway) Kagan of Germany and their daughter, Anya Rose; Andrea Rigo of Binghamton and her son, Charles. She was a member of St. Joseph's Church, Endicott. Helen also leaves behind a special friend and prayer partner, Gloria Greco. The family would like to thank Dr. Alan Miller and the entire staff of UHS Primary Care, Endwell, for their many years of loving care. The family would also like to extend their gratitude to the staff at St. Louise Manor for their compassionate care during the past nine months. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Joseph's Church, Hayes Ave., Endicott, Wednesday at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main St., Binghamton, Wednesday from 12 noon until 1 p.m. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Helen may be made to St. Joseph's Church, 207 Hayes Ave., Endicott, NY 13760.