Thelma Irene Rigney

Thelma Irene (Booth) Rigney passed away suddenly on June 26, 2017 at age 78, surrounded by her family. Originally from Valdosta, GA and having traveled with her beloved husband Donald, throughout his military service, they settled in Cohoes, NY. During their almost 61 years of marriage, they lovingly raised their children: Michael (Melissa), Larry (Angelique), Cindy (Don Ellett), Karen (Dave Caiazza), Thomas (Loretta), and Keith (Jessica). Irene and Don had just recently moved to Canton, Georgia to live with their daughter when Irene became unexpectedly ill. Irene was especially looking forward to seeing her brother Hayward Booth and his wife, Paula, of Long Beach, MS.

Irene enjoyed spending time with her family including her 17 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and a large extended family of in-laws, nieces, and nephews. Family gatherings were guaranteed to be loud, lively, and full of laughter and memories.

The family will receive friends 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 30, 2017 at Byars Funeral Home in Cumming, Georgia. Funeral Services will begin at 1:00 p.m. following visitation. Interment will take place at 9:00 a.m., Monday, July 3, 2017 at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia.

Due to VA cemetery restrictions on flowers, donations in lieu of flowers can be made in memory of Thelma Irene Rigney to the American Heart Association or in her memory to the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (AFLAC Cancer Center) in honor of Aurora Belle Ellett Pinel, Irene's great-granddaughter.