Inta (Ritelis) Rigdon

Inta (Ritelis) Rigdon, 82, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away January 6, 2025 at home surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Latvia, Inta escaped to Germany as a refugee at the age of 2. She immigrated to the United States, entering through Ellis Island on Columbus Day, 1949 at the age of 7. Settling in Syracuse, she grew up rooted in strong family values, maintaining a lifelong connection to her Latvian heritage and her cherished brother, Andris Ritelis. After earning her associate's degree in Dental Hygiene, Inta enjoyed a fulfilling career at St. Joseph’s Health, forming friendships that lasted a lifetime. Her life changed when she met her soulmate, Robert Rigdon, at a dance. They married in the summer of 1969, made a home in LaFayette, New York, and raised four children, instilling the same values that guided her life. Inta thrived as the family’s matriarch, creating memories through beach trips, skiing adventures, and days at Apple Acres as the proud “wife of an apple farmer.” She and Robert explored the world together, from the British Virgin Islands to Europe, and a 60-day cruise through Southeast Asia. They celebrated 55 years of marriage this past August. The greatest joy of Inta’s life was being “Mimi” to her 12 grandchildren, with whom she shared Latvian lullabies, cooking secrets, and endless love. She made each grandchild feel like the favorite and embraced life with her family at the center. In 2020, Inta and Robert moved to Jamesville to be closer to family, making new friends in their neighborhood while staying deeply connected to loved ones near and far. Inta will be remembered for her radiant smile, joyful spirit, and boundless love. Her legacy lives on through her devoted husband, Robert; her children and their spouses; her treasured grandchildren; and the many lives she touched. Inta is predeceased by her parents, Edgars and Velta Ritelis, and her sister-in-law, Marie Ritelis. She is survived by her husband, Robert Rigdon; her children, Jay (Andrea) Rigdon, Lauris (Angela) Rigdon, Valdis (Darcey) Rigdon, and Laila (Gianluca Ranieri) Rigdon; her brother, Andris Ritelis; her grandchildren: Maksims, Sean, Dean, Daniel, Adam, Tobijas, Christopher, Ryan, Juliana, Penelope, Maya and Dylan. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm at THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Road, (Corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY 13212, immediately followed by a funeral service in celebration of Inta’s life at noon.

Inta (Ritelis) Rigdon

July 1, 1942 - January 6, 2025