Cathy Jane Riggs

Cathy Jane Riggs Obituary

 Born August 21, 1952, Deceased February 23, 2023

 Cathy Jane Riggs was born in West Des Moines, Iowa to Willard and Helen Canine (Melaas). Cathy was the eldest of three siblings and grew up with brothers Craig Canine and Steven Canine. Cathy attended college at Kansas University where she graduated in three years with a degree in Music Therapy. She had four children: John Riggs (Kim), Sally Poston (Mark), Kate Keysor (Aaron) and Emily Corio (Tim). She was also Bama to seven grandchildren who she adored. Cathy settled in downtown Martinez in 1984 where she raised her family and became an integral member of the community. After a successful career in the insulation industry, Cathy started her own business, Guaranteed Energy Solutions, before pursuing her true passion of fine art. Cathy opened I’ve Been Framed, a Custom Frame Shop and Art Gallery and was a proud Downtown Martinez business owner. Cathy was incredibly creative and possessed many talents and hobbies.  She was a prolific artist and her paintings can be seen at several shops and restaurants in Martinez. She also contributed to the Arts community and was a long time member and past-President of the Martinez Arts Association. A talented multi-instrumentalist, she played cello in the Diablo Symphony and was a pianist at several Martinez community functions over the years, including open house days at the John Muir House and, most recently, the Christmas open house at the Martinez Museum. Cathy was passionate about connecting with people and despite her many accomplishments, is perhaps best known for her vast network of friendships. A kindred generous spirit, Cathy befriended all she met and valued them like family. 

Cathy was preceded in death by her mother. She leaves behind her father, brothers, children, seven grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends she regarded as family. 

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Friday, March 3, 2023 at 12:00 pm at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4000 Clayton Road in Concord, California; a viewing will begin at 11:00 am.  Services will be immediately followed by a Committal Ceremony and burial at Oakmont Memorial Park in Lafayette, California. A celebration of her life will be held after burial at the Martinez Event Center, 524 Main St. Martinez, California. Flowers are welcome but for those that would like, donations in her memory can be sent to the Martinez Arts Association which is establishing a scholarship in her name to help foster the next generation of local artists.

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