Obituary of Mary Ann Rigali

"Palmer, Mary Ann (Kingham) Rigali, 56, of Nipmuck St., died suddenly on Sunday, January 18 at her home. Born in Stillwater, OK, April 5, 1952, she was the daughter of Harry and Joanna Kingham of PA. Growing up in Swarthmore, PA, MaryAnn graduated from its high school in 1970. An avid swimmer, skilled diver and athlete, she captained many sports teams while pursuing her undergraduate degree at Union College in New York, from which she graduated in 1974. Furthering her education, Mary Ann achieved her Master's in Environmental Science from Penn State. Her love of travel and willingness to seek new adventure took her many places through her life, including Alaska, France, Italy and Africa. Her civic minded energy spurred the creation of the Cougar's Den afterschool program, which she co-directed for 4 years and for which she modestly accepted numerous awards. She also created the Palmer Sports Update, a newsletter for all recreational activities in town. Most recently she worked for Specialized Technology Resources in Enfield, CT and had previously worked for Lessard Property Management and Babson Financial Capital, both in Springfield. Her creative energy and willing spirit were a gift to many and will long be remembered. Besides her parents, she will be deeply missed by her husband of 30 years, Henry L. Rigali, along with her 4 children Whitney P. of San Diego, CA, Jonathan L. and Joanna M. "Jodie" both of Palmer, and Jeffrey R. and grandson Aden, of Norfolk, VA. She also leaves her siblings Jana Schwartz (Jim) of Colorado Springs, CO, James Kingham (Elaine) of Wicomico Church, VA, John Kingham (Kathy) of Cherry Hill, NJ. Her in-laws, Paul H. and Margaret Rigali of Enfield, CT, Paul H. Rigali, Jr. (Sharon) of Wallingford, CT, and Beverly (Rigali) Siano (Robert) of Suffield, CT. along with many nieces and nephews also survive her. A Celebration of Life Service will be Friday, January 23 at 11:00 a.m. at the Second Congregational Church, 1080 Pleasant St., Palmer. Calling hours will be Thursday from 1:00 – 3:00 and 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home, 1475 N. Main St, (Rte. 20). A pictorial tribute of Mary Ann's life will be played throughout the visitation. For those wishing, the family requests donations be made in her memory to Cougar's Den, Converse Middle School, Palmer, 01069. "