1936 ~ 2018
Barbara Jean Kooyman Riga, gently passed on August 8, 2018 in her beloved home after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's. Barbara was born on March 8, 1936, in Salt lake City, Utah, to George and Lela Faye (Stokes) Kooyman. After attending West High School she married her life's love Robert. Together they celebrated 60 years of marriage before his passing in 2014. Her greatest joy was the family that they created together. Barbara spent a lifetime caregiving to those she loved.
Our home was filled with her love and generosity. One of Mom's passions was cooking for others. Everyone looked forward to the feast she prepared for our Christmas Day open house. Barbara truly made the world more beautiful. There were no strangers to Mom, only people to be welcomed into our lives. Her love, compassion, selflessness and amazing laughter impacted many lives and touched countless hearts.
She will be deeply missed by those left behind: children Debbie, Steve (Mindy); grandchildren Matthew (Kimberly), Angelo (Anna), Daniel, Kira Marie and Anthony; great grandchildren Domanik, Gianni, Angelo, Amelia and Abigail; brother LeRoy, sister Sondra, Alvin whom she loved as a son, and lifelong friend Miki. She is preceded in death by her husband Robert, her parents, sisters Virginia and Elaine, and great granddaughter Mindy. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 11, 2018 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 670 South 1100 East, Salt Lake City. Committal: Memorial Mountain View Cemetery, 3115 East Bengal Blvd., Cottonwood Heights, Utah.
"Into paradise may the Angels lead you."