Helen L. Riggs, nee Chando, age 87, Mantua, NJ, passed away peacefully, with her family by her side on October 23, 2019 after a long & courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born February 14, 1932 in Runnemede, New Jersey to Joseph and Johanna Chando. Helen is survived by her loving husband Robert H. Riggs, her three sons Robert (Teri), Michael (Debbie), Jeffery (Carol), her daughter, Joni Benjamin (Dave), her brother Stephen Chando and her sister, Elizabeth DeLisle. Helen was adored by 16 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sisters Theresa and Marie, and brothers, Joseph, William and John.
Helen was a graduate of Audubon High School, Class of 1949. She graduated from Cooper Hospital School of Nursing in 1953 and worked there for many years as a Registered Nurse. She completed her education at Glassboro State College and for 27 years, Helen worked at Highland Regional High School in Blackwood, NJ as the School Nurse, before retiring in 1996.
Helen was a devoted Christian and lived her Catholic Faith most recently as a parishioner of The Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church. Helen was a dedicated wife and mother who treasured every moment with her family and friends. She had many hobbies including cooking, baking, traveling, sewing, crocheting, knitting, & ceramics.
Please join us in celebrating Helen’s life Tuesday morning October 29, 2019, at The Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, Mullica Hill, NJ. Viewing will be between 9:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m. followed by a remembrance. Funeral Mass of the Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be at the Holy Name of Jesus Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the charity for A Cure to End Alzheimer’s (www.act.alz.org/donate)
