Christi Viator Riggs, age 69, a lifelong resident of New Iberia, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 14, 2024. Born to Lilly Smith Viator and George Viator Sr., Christi grew up with a deep love for her hometown and an unwavering commitment to her family.
For 14 years, Christi dedicated herself to being a stay-at-home mom, lovingly raising her children. Afterward, she took on a few years of valet work at Cypress Bayou Casino before proudly serving the State of Louisiana for 22 years with the Department of Transportation. Upon retiring, Christi cherished her time with family and friends. She enjoyed the music of Elvis Presley, catching and boiling crabs, and cruising in her 1972 Volkswagen. She was known for her warm heart, and she poured that love into her role as a devoted wife, mother, and "Me-maw." Her beloved dogs, Patches and Duke, were close companions throughout her life, and now she is reunited with them in heaven.
Christi is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Curtis D. Riggs; her son, Trinity L. Riggs (Nicole); her daughters, Valerie Riggs Hamilton (Chad) and Nicole Riggs Domingue (Keith); her brother, George Viator Jr., and her sister, Kathy V. Meadows. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Macie Horton (Cameron), C.J. Berry, McKalyn Boutte, Timmy Riggs, Kaydance Gonzales, and Kolston Domingue.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George Viator Sr. and Lilly Smith Viator, as well as her brother, Raleigh Viator Sr, nephew Raleigh Viator Jr, and her two fur babies Duke and Patches.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM at Evangeline Funeral Home, with a prayer service at 6:00 PM. Visitation will resume on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, from 8:00 AM until the funeral service at 11:00 AM, officiated by Chaplain Stephanie Leleux. Following the service, Christi will be laid to rest at Holy Family Mausoleum in New Iberia.
Serving as pallbearers will be Chad Hamilton, Trinity Riggs, Timmy Riggs, Billy Bouton, Keith Domingue, and C.J. Berry. Honorary pallbearers will be Kenneth Hanks and Norman Hebert.
Christi’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Toni Daniel Vitter, a cherished family friend and their “#1 nurse,” for her loving care during Christi’s illness. Thanks are also extended to the staff of Ochsner Lafayette General and Traditions Hospice for their support during her final days.
Christi will forever be remembered for her loving spirit, devotion to her family, and the many memories she shared with those who knew her.
In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to Christi’s family to help defer funeral cost.
To view the on-line obituary, video tribute, and sign the guest register, please visit www.evangelinefuneralhome.com.
Evangeline Funeral Homes, Inc. of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
