Catherine A. Riggsbee

Catherine Alice Riggsbee Catherine Alice Riggsbee, formerly Catherine Alice Day, 76, passed away peacefully surrounded by her son on August 23, 2026. She was a devoted mother, sister, nurse, and compassionate friend whose life was defined by caring for others.

Catherine grew up in Wall, New Jersey. She attended Tusculum College in Tennessee and later pursued her nursing education in New Jersey. Her nursing career began in hospital work, but she found her true calling in caring for people in their homes. She spent most of her career with the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey (VNACJ) Home Care & Hospice, where she worked as a hospice nurse. Her compassion and dedication left a lasting impression on the patients and families she served.

Later in life, Catherine moved to Western North Carolina, where she became a Supervising Nurse at Pisgah Manor at Pisgah Valley Retirement Community. She continued to bring the same kindness, strength, and dedication to those in her care.

Catherine embraced her life in Western North Carolina and formed many deep and lasting friendships that meant so much to her. She was an active part of the Creative Thought Center in Waynesville, a community that reflected her openness, compassion, and desire to connect with others. The friendships she made there and throughout Western North Carolina became an important and cherished part of her life.

One of Catherine’s greatest companions was her beloved dog, Molly, whom she adored. One of her favorite things to do was walk along Richland Creek in Waynesville, NC with Molly. Those simple walks, surrounded by the beauty of the mountains and in the company of a dog she loved dearly, brought her great peace and happiness. Molly predeceased Catherine, and she missed her deeply.

Catherine’s compassion also took her far beyond home. Through Doctors Without Borders, she traveled to Ghana, embracing the people, experiences, and culture she encountered. She deeply cherished her time in Africa and the experiences she was fortunate enough to have there.

Catherine was known for her compassion, caring spirit, and remarkable strength. She had an ability to overcome obstacles, persevere through difficult times, and continue to see the goodness in people and in life. She gave generously of herself and always looked for ways to help others.

Catherine was preceded in death by her husband, John Riggsbee, and her parents, William E. Day III and Beatrice Morrison.

She is survived by her son, William Lang; her siblings, Lawrence Day and his wife, Carole; Thomas Day and his wife, Robin; Penelope Spaulding and her husband, Kenneth; and Stephan Day and his wife, Susan; her goddaughter, Laurie Wheeler; and many extended family members and friends who loved her dearly.

Catherine will be remembered for the lives she touched, the care she gave so freely, the friendships she treasured, and her ability to find goodness and meaning in the world around her. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.