Obituary of Theresa Joan Rigwood

Theresa Joan Rigwood (nee Bittner), 90, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2024, in Libertyville, Illinois, surrounded by her family.  Theresa was born and raised in North Chicago, Illinois.  She attended Holy Family Church and Elementary School, and Waukegan High School.  She met her husband Edward during 4^th grade - and they quickly became 4^th grade sweethearts.  Ed says her blonde hair, sweet smile and beautiful blue eyes caught his attention. They married in 1954, raised 4 children, and recently celebrated their 70^th wedding anniversary in January 2024.

Theresa had a kind heart and always liked helping others.  She loved spending time with her family, which could include singing at the piano, swimming,  boating and water skiing.  As an excellent seamstress, she made many clothes for her children, grandchildren and neighbors -and for school plays.  She truly enjoyed playing the piano and organ  at home, or for church and school programs.  She and Edward would dance together beautifully at every opportunity -including square dancing.  After retiring in 1993, Ed and Theresa moved to Arkansas and enjoyed 24 years of lake-living and boating in the warmer climate.  In 2017, they moved to Libertyville, Illinois to be near family.

Theresa is survived by her loving husband Edward, her son David (Anne) Rigwood, and their daughters Jeanne (John) Ashburn, Linda (Steve) Ness, and Lois Rigwood.  She has 9 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 3 sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Lydia and Theodore Bittner of North Chicago, her brother Theodore Bittner Jr.;  one baby granddaughter and one baby great-grandson.

Visitation is planned for Monday, June 10 from 5:00-7:00pm, with Pastoral Blessing starting at 6:30pm, at McMurrough Funeral Chapel, 101 Park Place, Libertyville, IL 60048.  Refreshments will be provided.  On Tuesday, June 11 at 8:30am, Theresa will be remembered at Mass at St. Joseph’s Church in Libertyville.  Internment of ashes will be Tues. afternoon, June 11 at 2:00 pm at Ascension Catholic Cemetery, Libertyville.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Theresa can be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital in  Memphis, TN  phone 800-822-6344.