Lee Riggins Rich

Lee Riggins Rich of Yorktown, Virginia, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2023, in the comfort of her home and in the company of family. She was 94 years old. An air of elegance always surrounded her. She was known for her strong intellect, tenacious spirit and dedication to improving her community and the natural and political world around her. Valedictorian at Poquoson High School, she went on to earn a masters degree in mathematics at the College of William and Mary. She worked at NASA headquarters in Washington DC as a mathematician and at NASA Langley as a Congressional Affairs Officer, escorting astronauts to the White House and members of congress to space shuttle launches. She also worked for the Department of State as a spouse in embassies in the Caribbean and the Philippines. She was a life member of the Sierra Club and most recently the CEO of Bay Rich Oysters and President Emerita of Friends of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. She was a determined leader and conducted herself with purpose. She leaves three children and their spouses: Nicole Edison Zungoli and her husband Ted Stimpson, Ryan Riggins Rich and his wife Pam Rich and Regan Lee Rich Gavani and her husband Dylan Gavagni. She also leaves six grandchildren whom she loved immeasurably: Maggie, Ellie, Alex, Maddox, Elio and Reed. A celebration of Lee's life will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 2nd, in the old sanctuary chapel of Emmaus Baptist Church, 814 Yorktown Road, Poquoson, VA. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers please consider getting involved, volunteering, and supporting Friends of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Contact information is below under donations. 

Arrangements and heartfelt guidance through Claytor Rollins Funeral Home.
Online condolences to claytorrollins.com.

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