Ann McCoole Rigby

Ann McCoole Rigby was born in St. Louis, Missouri on October 22, 1948 to Robert and Evelyn McCoole. She grew up in Webster Groves, attending Holy Redeemer Grade School and Nerinx Hall High School. From those early years, her talents, intelligence, and vibrant spirit drew others to her like a magnet. She was the kindest most genuine person one could ever hope to meet. Her smile could melt the hardest of hearts, while her quick wit was sure to make them laugh. In the Erin tradition, Ann was "American by birth, Irish by the grace of God" and she made Guinness Stout her drink of choice. Ann graduated from University of Missouri--Columbia where she studied special education, later teaching young children with emotional disabilities. Upon graduation she married Dan Rigby beginning married life in Kansas City where her daughter Dawn Elizabeth was born. After a move back to St. Louis, her daughter Bridget McCoole was born. Since Ann had been diagnosed with a debilitating condition, the family moved to the more climate-friendly Arizona in 1979, beginning in Tucson and settling in the Town of Paradise Valley in the Phoenix area. Ann's proudest accomplishment was raising her two excepti...[more]

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l daughters, who with Dan, were by her side when she died peacefully, and her constant pain was finally lifted. Despite her physical limitations, Ann lived life boldly on her own terms finding true joy in all those around her. She brought light, love, and laughter to those she met, such as the time she attended a friend's Garden Party dressed as a giant bumble bee. She connected deeply with people, making each feel extraordinary in her presence and from afar through notes and cards personalized for each recipient. Ann had a personal spirituality that combined a devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe with visits to the energy vortexes in the red rocks of Sedona and a bumper sticker proclaiming "The world needs more wizards." She was committed to peace and unity, finding hope and goodness in herself, others, and the world. Ann was preceded in death by her parents and her younger brother, John McCoole. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, John Daniel Rigby, Jr., daughters Elizabeth (Corey Gibson) of Washington DC and Bridget of Oakland, California, and grandson Amaru Justice. Also surviving are her brothers Robert F. McCoole, Jr (Alison Allman) of Clayton and Michael F. McCoole (Anne) of Webster Groves, her sister Mary McCoole Reed (Stephen) also of Webster Groves, and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. The family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley who provided Ann with compassionate care over the last two years, allowing a comfortable and peaceful transition out of pain and suffering into a state of infinite joy. Special thanks are also extended to Dora Sedlacek whose loving assistance in our home during the last twelve years truly made her part of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ann's name can be made to Nerinx Hall (St. Louis) or the Hospice of the Valley (Phoenix). A celebration of Ann's life will be held in St. Louis later this year as travel becomes safer.