Robin Keiko Watanabe-Riggs

Birth: April 21, 1954 | Died: July 8, 2025

It is with profound sadness and deep love, we share the passing of Robin Keiko Watanabe-Riggs, who left us peacefully on July 8, 2025, at the age of 71.

Born on April 21, 1954, Robin dedicated her life to the care and service of others, spending more than 40 years as a registered nurse—a career that reflected her profound compassion and unwavering commitment to helping those in need. She retired in 2019, leaving behind a legacy of healing, mentorship, and boundless empathy, but her nurturing spirit never took a day off.

She was the beloved wife of Larry Riggs, with whom she shared 33 devoted years of marriage since their wedding in November of 1991. She was a loving and endlessly supportive mother to her daughters, Allison and Carolyne, and a second mother to Yahaira—who came to the family from Costa Rica and remained a treasured part of Robin’s heart—along with Yahaira’s husband Eliecer and their daughter Yaely.

She was a loving sister to Mark and Judy, and she now reunites with her brother Richard, who preceded her in death. Her family was the center of her world, and she took care of each of us with fierce love and unwavering grace.

A lover of simple pleasures, Robin found joy in a good glass of Chardonnay at dinner, salmon sashimi, and playing Panda Pop. Animals were drawn to her gentle nature—stray cats often found sanctuary in the backyard, including her beloved adopted cat, Suki. Her loyal dog Shortstack, countless fish, and other family pets also knew her as a gentle caretaker.

She had a heart that could hold the weight of others’ worries and still make space for laughter, encouragement, and quiet acts of kindness. Her love was steady, her presence grounding, and her generosity knew no bounds. She never let us forget how deeply we were cared for—through every homemade meal (including bacon bagel Saturdays), every thoughtful gesture, and every warm hug that seemed to make everything okay.

Robin will be remembered as a woman of strength, gentleness, humor, and unwavering generosity. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and compassion that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. We will miss her deeply and carry her memory with us always.

A celebration of her life will be held on July 15, 2025 from 4-7pm at Hilgenfeld Mortuary at 120 E Broadway Anaheim, CA 92805, where we will honor the beautiful soul we were so lucky to love.