Clarice Janette (Jamieson) Rigotti

Clarice Janette (Jamieson) Rigotti passed away peacefully at home, with family near, on April 14, 2015, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. She was born in Hurley, Wisconsin, to Cecelia (Beaudin) Jamieson and the Reverend Robert Lochhead Jamieson. Clarice is survived by her dear son, Michael Alton (Kim) Rigotti, Sr. of Rudyard, Michigan, and her dear daughter, Jeanne Claire Rigotti of Sault Ste. Marie. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Michael Alton (Brenda) Rigotti, Jr. of Sault Ste. Marie and Jennifer Kim Rigotti of Rudyard, foster son Cyrus (Mernoosh) Anvari of Maryland, Julie (Rick Kile) Ello Crippin , Teri (Ross) Ello Renner, great niece Rebecca Crippin and great nephew Robert Crippin, all of California, and her best friend for the past fifty years, Mary (Jim) Barry of Rudyard. Clarice was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband, Alton Peter Rigotti, her dear daughter Patricia Lynn "Patti" Rigotti, her sister-in-law Dolores Rigotti Ello, and brother-in-law Steve Ello. Clarice grew up in Wisconsin, moving often as her minister father (from Edinburgh, Scotland) was assigned to various pastorates in the Methodist church. She lived in Hurley, Superior, Ashland, Glenwood City, Hudson, Ladysmith, and Menomonie. She had what she described as a wonderful childhood. She was the only child of loving, gentle parents. She wrote a beautiful memoir of her life from birth through eighth grade. In 1937, she graduated from Ladysmith High School in Wisconsin. After a year at Chicago Evangelical Institute, she went on to attend the Stout Institute in Menomonie, Wisconsin, majoring in Home Economics with minors in English and history. She graduated in 1942, earning a Bachelor's Degree, with credentials to teach. While in college, Clarice met her future husband, Alton P. Rigotti. They were engaged to be married, but World War II caused a separation of over three years, while Al was in the Army overseas. During these years, Clarice taught Home Economics in Engadine, Michigan, and exchanged numerous letters with her fiancé', while she worked and waited. When he came home, they finally married on January 30, 1946 in Vulcan, Michigan. They married for love, and had a joyful marriage lasting 59 years. They were a perfectly suited couple who never exchanged an angry word, wonderful parents, true partners, friends, and devoted, loving companions. After their wedding, Clarice and Al lived and taught school in Engadine, Michigan, where Al was later the superintendent. Their three children were born during this time. In 1965 the family moved to Rudyard, Michigan where Clarice and Al both taught. Clarice primarily taught English and history in the Junior High School until her retirement in 1981. Clarice's great passion in life was her husband and kids. She was everything a mom should be — sweet, loving, happy, and delighted to do things with her family. In 2004, Clarice and Al moved to Sault Ste. Marie. Her younger daughter Patti passed away in December of 2004, and her husband Al in July of 2005. These were deep and lasting sorrows to her. From 2009 onward, Clarice and her daughter Jeanne shared an apartment in the Soo. Clarice was an avid reader. When she was little she took books to bed with her instead of a teddy bear or doll. She loved to write. She wrote poems, stories, books, dialogues, and letters. She was a lifelong learner. She enjoyed taking vacation trips with her family, traveling by car and visiting thirty-eight states over the years. She especially found Yellowstone National Park, the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Gettysburg and Colonial Williamsburg to be fascinating places to explore. Her other interests included fossil and rock hunting, astronomy, politics, her Scottish and French family history, tattoos (she had 6!), and good conversation. She adored talking and laughing with her family and friends. In her seventies, Clarice discovered that her husband wasn't the only artist in the family. Over several years, she produced an amazing number of fantasy landscapes with mountains, deserts, dinosaurs, cave art, and colorful whimsical trees and flowers. Both AI and Clarice had art exhibits at Alberta House. Clarice had a quick sense of humor, a ready smile, and a warm-hearted, even-tempered sweet nature. She was intelligent, witty, imaginative, wise, kind, and beautiful. She was filled with love. It was a blessing to know her as wife, mother, or friend. We will love and miss her always — more than any, words can say, more than tears can tell, more than emotions can express. The family would like to thank E.U.P Home Health and Hospice and the nurses and aides, especially Nancy, Christi, and Leonore for their help and care. We also thank our dedicated private caregivers- Clarice loved you. Memorial donations in the name of Clarice Jamieson Rigotti may be made to the Stanley Area Historical Society, P.O. Box 142, Stanley, Wisconsin 54768-0142. The society has a museum that includes items from Clarice's family history. All arrangements were private. Online condolences may be left at www.clarkbaileynewhouse.com. One for comfort, Two for sweetness, Three for embraces, Four for completeness, Five for love forever, Six for a bond, Seven for infinity — And beyond...

Tributes

Clarice Janette (Jamieson) Rigotti

April 14, 2015