Norma J. “Joanne” Riggs

Norma Joanne Riggs (Joanne), age 93, of Media, PA, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025.

Joanne began her teaching career in 1969 after receiving her bachelor’s degree in childhood education from West Chester University in 1968. She dedicated 23 years to teaching first grade at Green Ridge Elementary in Aston, PA (Penn Delco School District). Joanne’s love for children was evident, and her favorite part of teaching was witnessing the joy in their eyes as they learned to read for the first time.

Joanne cherished spending time with her family, going on amazing vacations.  After retiring from teaching in in 1992, she enjoyed traveling the globe with her husband, Paul, enjoying their favorite pastime of scuba diving. She left behind many handwritten journals detailing their amazing adventures.

Joanne was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her love for her grandchildren was boundless and brought immense joy to her life and theirs. She also was so grateful for the wonderful care that she received from her nurses, nurse’s aides and staff at Lima Estates Continuing Care Retirement Community’s skilled nursing department in Willow Brook Court.  Her family will never forget their care and love they gave her in her last years.

Joanne was the beloved wife of the late Paul Richard Riggs for 63 years and the daughter of the late William Ralph Cummings and Hannah Marie Cummings.

She is survived by her loving children, Linda (Kurt) Schmitt and Larry (June) Riggs; her proud grandchildren, Jeffrey (Melonie) Schmitt and Hedda (Nick) Gilbert; and her two great-grandchildren, Grey and Gavin Schmitt. She will be so greatly missed.

Funeral and interment will be private and take place at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.

Donations in Joanne’s memory may be given to Lima Estates WillowBrooke Court Fund through the Acts Legacy Foundation. Donations can be made online at actsgiving.org, select ‘other’ and designate Lima Estates WillowBrooke Court Fund. Checks should be made payable to Acts Legacy Foundation with Lima Estates WillowBrooke Court Fund in the memo line. Mail to Acts Legacy Foundation 420 Delaware Drive, Fort Washington, PA 19034.

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