Janice Ann Riggins

    Janice Anne Riggins, 86, passed away peacefully at home in Carlsbad, California, July 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
    Born June 5, 1940, in Springfield, Illinois to Dr. Stephen Grover Gard II and Margaret Bernice Gard. Janice embraced life with enthusiasm, compassion and an unmistakable sense of humor.
    Family was the center of Janice’s world. She is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband Jim Riggins; her children Theresa Heldt, Tammy Heldt, Todd (Michele) Heldt and Troy (Danna)
Heldt; her stepchildren Jeanine (Bert) Ramerez, Gerri (Jeff) Zygowicz and James Riggins Jr, 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and countless extended family and treasured friends. Preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Ted Heldt and her brother Stephen G. Gard III.
    Janice’s life was a beautiful love story - twice over. On September 19, 1959, she married Theodore “Ted” Heldt. Together they built a life together in Calumet City then Lansing, Illinois,
where they raised their four children. When Ted passed away in 1978, Janice faced an unimaginable loss with grace and unwavering faith in God. Seven years later, Jim Riggins came
into her life. Janice believed wholeheartedly that Ted had sent Jim to her. They married November 23, 1985, and soon afterward fulfilled one of Janice’s lifelong dreams by moving to California.
    Anyone who knew Janice knew that laughter followed her wherever she went. In the early 1980s, she discovered a love for stand-up comedy and continued sharpening her talent through Toastmasters International for the rest of her life.
    Her faith was the foundation of her life. She was a devoted member of Our Lady of Knock Parish, Calumet City, IL, then St. Patrick Catholic Church, Carlsbad. Her faith wasn’t simply something she just believed but what she lived out daily.
    Janice belonged to many social and charitable organizations: Red Barons Ski Club, Altrusa International, Circle of Life for Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas, where she served on the Citizens Advisory Board, as well as the Altamira IV community, where she lived since 1987.
    As we celebrate Janice’s life, we remember not only the years she lived, but the lives she enriched. Her legacy is one of love, laughter, faith, generosity, resilience and joy.
    Visitation will be held Tuesday August 4, from 4 to 8pm at Allen Brothers Mortuary, 1315 S. Santa Fe Ave, Vista, California. Funeral Mass to be held 11am Wednesday August 5 at St. Patrick Catholic Church 3821 Adams St. Carlsbad, California.
    A Celebration of Life will also be held in Indiana August 30, from 12-4pm at Villa Cesare, 900 Eagle Ridge Drive, Schererville, Indiana
                                                         “Well done, good and faithful servant.” - Matthew 25:33

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