Our
family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our daughter,
sister and friend, Eliza P. Riegelman.
Eliza
noticed the small things. She was able to find the good in each
person and situation. She has always been quietly curious, a diligent
worker and loyal friend. Beautiful and bright, thoughtful and
sincere, she led with love.
Eliza
was born in Springfield, Vt., and grew up in Saxtons River. Eliza
attended Vermont Academy there, graduating in 2005.
After
spending some years exploring the West Coast in Oregon with her
sister, Lauren, Eliza returned to Burlington in 2016. In 2018, she
met her partner, Matt Blair, and his dog, Sequoia. Together, they
built a beautiful life full of adventure and love, most recently
adding a sweet kitty, Ripley, to the family.
Eliza
was a voracious reader and lover of crosswords and Scrabble. Her
penchant for puns and her wry sense of humor lightened the mood in
any room.
Another
of her many love languages started in the kitchen. A very skilled
baker and cook, she will be remembered fondly for sharing so much
creativity and love in her concoctions. This lent itself well to her
most recent position behind the bar at Burlington Beer, where she
worked since the opening of the Flynn Avenue location in 2021.
In
January 2025, Eliza was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She battled
very bravely through it all. We are all so thankful for the great
care she received at University of Vermont Medical Center, from Drs.
Wong and Ashley, and from the multitudes of nurses who came to her
aid, especially on Miller 5. We also thank Ruth Decker, who was
Eliza’s advocate from day one, providing support and love.
Eliza
is survived by her father, Peter Riegelman, and his partner, Tracy
Paradee, of Grand Isle, and Tracy’s children, Brooke and Ryan; her
mother, Mary Landon, of Middlebury; her older sister, Lauren
Riegelman, of Winooski; her partner, Matthew Blair, of South
Burlington; Matthew’s mother and stepfather, Marie and Gary Jewell,
of Williston; Matthew’s father, Mark Blair, and his partner, Maggie
Mahland, of Cape Coral, Fla.; and Matthew’s sister, Meghan Blair,
her husband, Paul Monti, and their son, Memphis Monti, of San
Francisco, Calif. Eliza is also survived by several aunts, uncles and
cousins, as well as a wide circle of friends and a wonderful black
kitty named Ripley.
To
honor Eliza, please consider making a gift in her name to either of
the following organizations: Planned Parenthood of Northern New England or the American Red Cross. We encourage anyone able and
willing to give blood at the Red Cross near you, whenever possible.
There is always a need. Also remember to keep up on your wellness
checkups and reproductive health.
A
celebration of life will be held on Sunday, August 3, from 11 a.m. to
4 p.m., at Burlington Beer’s Lumière Hall event space. You may enter
the door on the left rear of the building at 180 Flynn Avenue in
Burlington, Vt.
We
look forward to seeing you, and hearing some good stories about our
girl.