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Sandra Lee Riggin, 83, of Hayes, Virginia, passed away on July 14, 2026. She is remembered by all as having a heart of gold and a big smile for all she met. Sandy was born on August 9, 1942, to very beloved parents, Layton and Elestine Riggin, in Crisfield, Maryland. She and her younger sister, Barbara Ann, had a wonderful childhood full of Riggin relatives. Summer weekends were aboard the El Sandbar, as they headed to the Bay for picnics and sandy beaches. Sandy graduated from Crisfield High as co-valedictorian and graduated from McDaniel College majoring in English. She was part of a student team endeavor to provide and deliver books to libraries in the Philippines. She fund-raised during summer vacation to meet the expenses of the trip and its goals. Thus, her future occupation became fundraising for the American Heart Association on Maryland’s eastern shore. She raised more funds per capita than any other district in the state of Maryland. And it was Sandy‘s persuasive charm that allowed others to benefit from her energy and love. Sandy also earned a masters degree from Central Michigan University. Sandy met and married Helen Quinby in Salisbury, Maryland. They both ventured to Gloucester County, Virginia, where Sandy worked for the local Virginia State Health Department. This so fit Sandy‘s open heart for those in need and she went the extra mile as a state employee to help women regarding breast cancer awareness, and men regarding high blood pressure. Her unique methods and sensitivity for observing and helping those in need was a perfect expression of her love of people. Her interests at home were her rose gardens and her bird feeders. Her cats included Sylvester, Ginger, and Freckles. Sandy was a longtime member of the Bethany United Methodist Church, where she was a loyal member of the TBD Sunday School Class. She is survived by her spouse, her sister: Bobbie Heil, her two nephews: Jeffrey and Richard Foot, and four great nieces: Jayla, Kasey, Caitlyn, and Bailey Foot. Sandy will be inurned with the Riggin family in Crisfield, Maryland. Memorial donations may be made to the Gloucester Mathews Humane Society at PO Box 385, Gloucester, VA 23061. Friends, in accordance with Sandy’s wishes for a Celebration of Life Service, please reach out to her spouse to coordinate details.
