Bettye Ann Riggi, age 76, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025, unexpectedly. Born and raised in Niagara Falls, she was the daughter of the late June (nee Hoffert) (James) Napier and Edward Rutkowski; and the loving wife of William Riggi, with whom she shared a loving marriage since January 6, 1968.
Bettye Ann was a 1966 graduate of LaSalle Senior High School and remained actively involved with her class reunion committee. Soon after high school, she began her career at Niagara County Savings Bank before becoming the Funds Administrator for IBEW Local 237. She later worked in the marketing department of Summit Park Mall and eventually retired in 2010 as an Administrator at Seneca Niagara Casino.
Bettye Ann was a longtime member of the Cristoforo Colombo Society. She loved playing bingo and going to the casino. She was known for her infectious sense of humor and radiant smile, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Her true passion was her family, especially her cherished grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of her life—there was nothing she wouldn’t do for them. Bettye Ann’s love was often expressed through her cooking, and she could always be found in the kitchen preparing one of her favorite Italian dishes for her loved ones.
In addition to her husband of 57 years, Bettye Ann is survived by her children, Patricia (Sean) Hennegan and William (Julie) Riggi; her cherished grandchildren, Patrick W. Hennegan, Alexander J. Riggi, Allison G. Riggi and Adalynn R. Riggi, all of whom she was very close with and always delighted when they would visit. She is also survived by her brother, James (Norma) Napier; nieces and nephews, Michael Nolan, Kim Vitale, Michael (Danielle) Cardamone, Janelle (Aaron Mierzwa) Cardamone, Gina Vallarie, Jaime Napier, Sid Jonnie Napier, Jeffrey Bloom, Ronald Bloom and Laurie Nulph; and her great-nieces and great-nephews, Michael and Alyssa Cardamone, and Maria and Joey Mierzwa. She was predeceased by two sisters, Patricia (late Louis) Nolan and Sharon (James) Cardamone, and her nephew, Keith Krieger.
Visitation will be Tuesday, May 27 from 5 – 8 PM at M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY. Bettye Ann’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 AM in St. Mary of the Cataract Church, 237 4th Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303. Entombment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at a later date to be announced. Memorial offerings may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at st.jude.org. Share condolences at mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com.
Bettye Ann Riggi will always be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, friend. May her memory be a blessing to us all. Rest in peace, dear Bettye Ann. You will be forever missed and never forgotten.
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Visitation
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY
Get Directions on Google Maps
Mass of Christian Burial
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
11:00 AM
St. Mary of the Cataract Church
237 4th Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Get Directions on Google Maps
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