Sandra (Douglas) Fotinos-Riggs

Sandra Fotinos-Riggs
July 19, 1940 ~ August 10, 2025

Sandra Douglas Fotinos-Riggs passed away on August 10, 2025, in Sierra Vista, Arizona, at the age of 85. Born on July 19, 1940, in Worcester, Massachusetts, to Earl and Hertha Douglas, Sandra-known to her friends and family as Sandi-was the middle child, born between her elder sister Carol and her younger sister Faye. Close-knit as children, the three girls remained dear to each other throughout life.

A prolific reader and gifted writer from a young age, Sandi had a deep love of language and words. She earned her BA in English Literature from Wellesley College and her MA in Education from Johns Hopkins University. Although acting was her first calling, she embraced a new stage when she fell in love with teaching. For over 25 years, Sandi taught English as a Second Language at Northern Essex Community College in Massachusetts, where she created and led the college's first ESL program. Her published ESL conversation books were the first of their kind, and they opened doors for adult English language learners around the world.

Sandi lived many adventures, spread across many different parts of the world. In 1964, after completing her master's degree, she moved to Greece, where she met her first husband, Xenofon Fotinos. After raising their family in Haverhill, Massachusetts, she relocated to Bisbee, Arizona in 1990 to begin a new chapter of her life. There, she continued teaching ESL at Cochise College and met and married the love of her life, Gene Riggs. Sandi retired early to devote her time to adventures with Gene. They explored the Southwest together, recording rock art, serving as stewards of Black Draw archaeological site, and contributing to various archeological groups in the region. Sandi loved to say that she was "living her happily ever after".

Sandi is survived by her children Christina, Elizabeth, and Paul; younger sister Faye; stepchildren Larry, Patti, and Randy; nine grandchildren, and one great grandchild; four stepgrandchildren and great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and extended Greek family. Her legacy lives on in the countless students, colleagues, friends, and family members she loved and inspired. She will be dearly missed by all who love her.

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