Heather Nicole Riggs

Heather Nicole Riggs, age 43, of Canton, passed away on February 16, 2024. Born on January 2, 1981, to Ronald and Susan Wojcik, Heather spent her childhood years in Royal Oak. She graduated from Dondero High School in 1999. One of her joys of high school was playing in the orchestra, where she met Matt, fell in love, and began the story of their life together. Then, pursuing her passion for education, she obtained her bachelor's degree at Oakland University. Heather's primary dedication lay with her family, embodying the role of a devoted wife and mother. She wholeheartedly embraced the titles of "dance mom," "baseball mom," and "gymnastics mom," actively supporting her children's interests with unwavering enthusiasm throughout their formative years. She, Matt, and Carter even went to the Tiger's opening baseball game last season. They had a blast! Heather loved to cook, especially in her brand-new kitchen. She had a small garden where she would pick snap peas for her family dinner, as long as Finley didn't pick and eat them first. She made wonderful pies from apples and berries the family had picked together. Her strawberry pie was her dad's favorite. But her specialty was making a simple cheeseball which she took to all family gatherings. Professionally, Heather found fulfillment as an educator at Bentley Elementary, where she taught various grades and served on the PTO Board for many years. Her love for children was evident in her commitment to nurturing their growth and learning. An avid reader, Heather found solace and inspiration in books, cherishing the pursuit of knowledge both for herself and others. Outside of her professional and familial duties, Heather found joy in exploring destinations with warm beaches, with favorites including the Caribbean, Florida, and Mexico. However, her most cherished moments were those spent with family, whether on their yearly wedding anniversary retreat to Traverse City or memorable trips to the Smoky Mountains, Disney World and Hawaii. Heather had such a fun side, she loved jigsaw puzzles, Marvin the Martin, Beauty and the Beast, and Harry Potter. She was so proud of all the Harry Potter Lego sets she put together, sometimes all by herself and sometimes with a little help from Evan. Heather also valued the simpler joys of life, like the weekly shopping excursions she shared with her mother and the spirited games of pinochle or rummikub they played. She made friends easily and would do anything for them. Heather was so much more than words can say. She will be so dearly missed. Heather is survived by her husband, Matthew; her children: Carter, Evan, and Finley; her parents, Ronald T. and Susan Wojcik; her siblings: Ronald K. and Lance Wojcik; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Randy and Kathleen Riggs; her sister-in-law, Heather Riggs; her brother-in-law, Christopher (Elizabeth) Riggs; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. A visitation for Heather will be held on Friday, February 23, from 2 - 8 p.m. at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W. Eleven Mile Rd. (four blocks east of Woodward), Royal Oak. Funeral service will held on Saturday, February 24, at 1 p.m., at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Oakview Cemetery in Royal Oak. Share a memory at www.SullivanFuneralDirectors.com.

Heather Nicole Riggs

January 2, 1981 - February 16, 2024