Milinda Gail Riggio, 69, of Du Quoin, passed away at 4:18 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019 at the Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin.
Mindy taught for 24 years at the District 204 school in Pinckneyville. She also taught at Tamaroa District 212. She graduated from McKendree University in Lebanon as a music major and was a member of the McKendree University Alumni Association.
Mindy was a member of the Retired Teachers Club at District 204, and enjoy working with her fellow teachers and friends, especially Karen Galbraith, Carol Issacs, Rockne Berg, Vickie Tanner and Nancy Bigham.
She was a member of the Choral Union at Southern Illinois University. Mindy attended the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Du Quoin.
Mindy was an avid Pinckneyville Panther fan but also cheered on the athletes in her adopted community of Du Quoin. She followed Du Quoin athletics, especially Du Quoin football. She enjoyed baseball and was a loyal St. Louis Cardinals fan, attending many games over the years.
Mrs. Riggio had an affection for animals, often feeding the wildlife that ventured into their yard. Mindy and her husband Pete also rescued several cats over the years, including their beloved "Jenny" and "Sophie." She belonged to the ASPCA.
Mindy and Pete shared numerous adventures together, traveling throughout Europe each year and returning home with lively stories of their experiences and the people they met along the way.
Mindy was a loving, kind spirit who will be missed by all who knew her.
She was born May 20, 1950 at Pinckneyville, the daughter of Gale and June (Stone) Hicks.
She married Pete Guy Riggio on July 30, 1977 at the St. Paul United Church of Christ in Pinckneyville and he survives.
She is survived by her husband, Pete, of Du Quoin; one niece, Shana R. (Lucas) Weiss of Chicago; one nephew, Spencer G. Greenberg of Chicago; a sister-in-law, Grace R. Greenberg of Chicago; uncles and aunts, Jack (Dorett) Stone, Jim (Audrey) Stone, Janet (Dallas) Moore and Fred Steele; cousins Perry (Pat) Pursell, Steve (Jerri) Stone, Debbie (Chuck) Smith, Tom (Sheri) Stone, Greg Steele, Mary Stone (the late cousin David), and Leslie (Alberta) Moore; other relatives, and special friends Pam Zutter Brock and Rose Alongi.
Mindy was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 23, 2019 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Du Quoin with Fr. Joseph Oganda officiating.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Burial will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery at Pinckneyville.
Friends may make memorials to the Perry County Humane Society, Du Quoin Food Pantry or the Pinckneyville Food Pantry, which will be accepted at the funeral home.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.
