Obituary of Claudette R. Hooper

Claudette Riggio Hooper passed gently into Our Father's arms on October 16, 2013, at 4:31 PM, at her home in Edinburg, TX. A devoted wife and mother, she was surrounded by those who gave her life meaning and purpose, her husband, Richard, and her daughter, Carly, as well as her sisters, friends and care-givers. For the past 20 years, Claudette was an educator, working at Jefferson, Gonzalez, and Rayburn Elementary schools before retiring. She loved and respected her students, their parents, and her co-workers, and she was loved and respected by all. When she was forced by health issues to retire early, she kept in contact with many of her colleagues and parents. Claudette embodied love. Words simply fail to describe the radiance of her light, though some come to mind: vibrant, generous, loving, considerate, caring, self-less, patient, and always supportive of her friends and family. She lived life with unfailing grace and dignity, regardless of her own distress or pain. Claudette's sense of humor is also legendary. Her one-line quips, puns, and wry observations of the obvious fell fast from her lips, whether she was in intensive care, a family gathering, or staff meeting. Healthcare professionals fortunate enough to care for her during the worst hours of her life reveled at her ability to maintain her sense of humor throughout it all. She ceaselessly expressed her appreciation and gratitude for every kindness shown to her. She endeared herself to all who met and cared for her. No one experienced Claudette without being moved by her courage, kindness, and generosity. She was always so grateful to the healthcare professionals and friends who stood by her, offered prayers, and brought her meals. Claudette's family extends their heartfelt gratitude and love to everyone who touched her life and was touched by her in return. Claudette is survived by her adoring husband, Richard Hooper and beloved daughter, Carly Ann Hooper, her sisters, Laurette Prestia (Joseph), Paulette Saca of Edinburg, TX, and Annette Riggio of Austin, TX, her nephews, Robert Riggio (Sabrina), Joseph Prestia (Michela) of Knoxville, TN, and James Saca of San Antonio, TX, her niece, Lauren Saca of Austin, TX, her step-son, Robert Hooper (Julie) of Austin, TX and step-daughter, Susanna Hooper Wingfield (Richard, Taylor, Giovanna) of Houston, TX, and her great‑niece, Scarlette Riggio. Claudette was preceded in death by her loving parents, Carol and James Riggio and her brother-in-law, Dr. Carlos Saca. The family will receive friends between the hours of 4:00pm and 6:30pm today, Friday, October 18, 2013 at Legacy Chapels, 4610 S. Jackson Rd., in Edinburg. A rosary will take place at 5:30pm and will be available online at www.legacychapelsrgv.com A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Edinburg. Since Claudette was an advocate for children, in lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be sent to the children's charity of your choice. Funeral Services are under the direction of Legacy Chapels in Edinburg.