Marianne was one of a kind, full of life, love and laughter that she shared easily around the globe. May the memories and stories give Tom and Michael provide wonderful memories.  Rest in peace dear one.  

Marianne’s bright spirit is a true gift to each and everyone of us, certainly to me. I pray that her bright light shines through in each and every one of us whom she has touched directly. Go in peace, dear Marianne. ~ Ami Tango

I pray for Marianne. Marianne is a really wonderful person. I believe Marianne will go in peace  and be placed in the best place by His side. Nine months at Perkins was not only about learning to lead — it was about learning to serve with humanity.  There I met someone who quietly shaped how I see disability, education, and human dignity: *Marianne Riggio*.  She rarely spoke about grand change.  She showed it in small moments — the way she listened to a child, respected families, and believed every child, without exception, deserves to be understood.  Two days ago, she passed away.
But her lessons remain.  Today I realize that much of what I do after returning — building community, strengthening teachers and caregivers, and advocating meaningful services — carries the values she planted during those nine months. Thank you for teaching me that leadership is not about standing in front, but about ensuring no one is left behind. Rest in love, Marianne.  Your impact lives quietly in every child we continue to serve. ??  ~ Tuti from Indonesia

Mariane’s leadership, dedication, and guidance have left a lasting impact on all of us. May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her family be granted strength, comfort, and peace during this difficult time.?????? ~ Ufa from Indonesia

I really miss you, Marianne,  ~ Nu from Vietnam

My deepest condolences on the passing of dear Marriane. She was a very kind and loving person, and I have many sweet memories with her during my time at Perkins. May her soul rest in peace in Heaven. May Tom and Mikhael find strength and comfort, farewell to heaven Marriane. ?????? ~ Rina from Indonesia

My prayers of comfort for her bereaved family- her husband Tom and son Michael. May her soul rest in everlasting peace , and the eternal light shines upon her. ~ Mommy Marie from Philippines

Our deepest condolences on the passing of Marianne.
May her memory be a source of comfort and strength during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom and Michael. She will always be remembered for her kindness and the lives she touched. ~ Grace from Philippines

Very sad to hear the news ... Marianne was more than a mother to us,, big condolence to her family ..I will start prayers for her, inform Tom my school will do special prayers for her peace life as well. ~ Nyendo from Bhutan

My dear Marriane, i will miss you so much. Thank you for your life well spent for others esp. for our children with visual impairment and additional disabilities. The whole Phils. Mourns for your passing because of the big impact you left behind with your investments in our lives. You have been a  loving mentor to us and all the SPED teachers in the phils. For many years. You will be remembered with utmost respect. My sincere condolence to Tom and Michael during this grieving stage. Praying that God will comfort both of you and the whole clan. ~ Mila from Philippines

My sympathy to Tom, Michael and Marianne's family and friends including Perkins family. May we all take comfort in the fact that Marianne touched our lives and was instrumental to our personal and professional growth through her leadership in ELP. We continue to give tribute to her as we  do our part to improve the life of every differently-abled child we encounter. God has blessed us with Marianne, a selfless, caring, and loving "sister". ?????? ~Christine from Philippines

My deepest condolences to Tom, Michael, and to Perkins family. Marianne was truly an instrument of compassion and change, touching the lives of countless people around the world. Her legacy of kindness, service, and dedication will continue to inspire people. Her passing brings profound sadness and she will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched. ??
~Leory from Philippines

Marianne was indeed an epitome of a great and humble leader! The short but meanigful time we spent with her was incredible one of the treasures. Marianne is one of the persons who I looked up and greatly respect. I am deeply honored to have met you in this lifetime. Thank you for the gifts of your wisdom and precious time you have shared with us.  My deepest condolences to Tom and Michael and to Perkins community.?? ~ Babylene from Philippines

In the mid-1990s, Marianne brought the educational philosophy and techniques for children with visual impairments and multiple disabilities to China, and initiated the Hilton-China Multiple Disability Education Cooperation Project. Her passing represents a significant loss for the world of special education. Her passion and contributions to special education will forever be etched in our hearts and serve as an inspiration for us to continue moving forward.  Rest in peace!????????~ ChenMin from China
My heart is weeping. ~ ChenMin from China

I woke up early to be suddenly informed of the tragic news about Marianne.[Wilt][Wilt][Wilt][Broken][Broken][Broken][Sob][Sob][Sob] I am utterly shocked and incredulous.[Frown][Frown][Frown] I still remember that just two years ago, I asked Lisa to send her a video with birthday greetings… Recalling the scene when she came to Guangzhou with the Hilton China project around 2001… Subsequently, I first accompanied the pre-school education team for visually impaired children at a blind school to the United States for a study tour. Later, I had the privilege of joining the ELP project, where I was frequently taken care of by Marianne and Lisa in the United States. This experience left a lasting impression on me, especially regarding Michael, who was still in an infant stroller at that time… Memories flooded back instantly, and tears blurred my vision. [Hurt][Hurt][Hurt][BrokenHeart][BrokenHeart][BrokenHeart]Marianne is elegant, intelligent, and resourceful. She is sincere, gentle, and courteous in her interactions with others. The Hilton-China project has benefited various aspects of theory and practice in preschool education and education for children with blindness and other disabilities in China. It has also opened up and provided us with an international perspective on special education… Subsequently, Guangzhou Qiming School conducted long-term, beneficial, and effective international exchanges at various times related to the Hilton-China project and the establishment of sister schools for special education with the United Kingdom. We have greatly benefited from these exchanges.[Fight][Fight][Fight][Heart][Heart][Heart][Rose][Rose][Rose]Marianne played a crucial role as the lead expert, overseer, and manager for this project in the United States. Her contributions will be greatly appreciated and remembered forever.[Worship][Worship][Worship][Rose][Rose][Rose]May she rest in peace. ~ WangLi from China

It’s absolutely heart-wrenching to hear of Marianne’s passing. With her grace and wisdom, she brought the Hilton China Program to the field of special education, introducing cutting-edge theories and practical approaches for the education of young children with visual impairments and multiple disabilities in China, and more importantly, opening the door to international exchanges, broadening the path of special education for Guangzhou Qiming School in profound ways. Her kindness and guidance over the years, every precious moment of our acquaintance and friendship with her, and all the far-reaching impacts the program has made on special education—these have all become warm memories etched deep in our hearts. The dedication she poured into the cause of special education with her professionalism and sincerity has never been in vain, and will be forever remembered by all those in the field.  May she rest in peace, and may the light and warmth she brought to the world always remain. May she rest in peace forever.[Worship][Worship][BrokenHeart][BrokenHeart][Hurt][Hurt] ~ WangLi from China

Marianne brought the educational philosophy for children with visual impairments and multiple disabilities, as well as advanced technologies, to China. She introduced the Hilton-China Multiple Disabilities Education Cooperation Project, benefiting many more children with special needs. Marianne provided immense assistance to Beijing Blind School, helping to establish education for students with multiple disabilities from scratch, with her thoughtful guidance and companionship at every step. While saddened to hear this news, I will forever cherish the passion and warmth she embodied in her work with special education. I often recall the warmth and passion in her smile. May she rest in peace, and may her loved ones find comfort and continue moving forward with her legacy of kindness.  Receiving the news of Marianne’s passing was deeply distressing and heart-wrenching. In 2005, she brought her team to Nanjing Blind School to conduct ECCE early intervention training for us. This was the first time I had come into contact with early intervention programs for visually impaired children. The rich and professional training content gave me a profound and new understanding of this field. Later, I had the privilege of studying in the United States, and she personally went to the airport to welcome me and even lovingly brought me Chinese dumplings, fearing that I might find it difficult to adapt to life abroad. This warmth still feels warm to my heart even now. Marianne is no longer with us, but her kindness and warmth will forever remain. May she rest in peace.
~ Zhoulili from China

The cheerful smile of Marianne still lingers in my memory. The low-sugar Chinese cake Marianne specially made for me on my birthday; the barbecue she organized at her home during the holidays… There were so many heartwarming moments with Marianne, leaving me filled with nostalgia and longing. May Marianne remain as cheerful in heaven. Tom and Michael [Hug][Hug][Hug] ~ LeiYing from China

Upon hearing this news, I couldn’t believe it! [Sob] The scene of Marianne inviting us over for dinner at her home is still vivid in my memory, as if it happened just yesterday! Her cheerful smile, her witty remarks, and her assistance to me will always be unforgettable. May you rest in peace, dear teacher Marianne! Tom and Michael[Hug][Hug] ~ LiGuoQing from China

Heartbroken to hear this terrible news! [Sob][Sob][Sob]Marianne led us through so much with her warmth—every moment still feels like yesterday. Her kind smile and gentle presence are vivid in my mind, and all her love brought me endless comfort. May she rest in peace in heaven.[Worship][Worship][Worship]. Tom and Michael [Hug][Hug][Hug] ~SuJun from China

I want to extend my deepest condolences on the passing of our colleague - Mrs. Mariane. She was truly an honorable person, leaving a remarkable legacy of kindness and integrity at Perkins school. The positive impact she had on those around her speaks volumes about the exceptional person she was. I always remember of her as the great mother of the ELP's trainees. ~Ms. Van from Vietnam

I wish my heartfelt condolences and prayers to her family and friends for the passing of beloved Marianne.
Marianne was my supervisor, my teacher, my mentor, and my friend. She had many remarkable personalities characterized by big smiles, generosity, fairness, and took good care of us as ELP students from around the world. She made sure that all learning resources and experts at Perkins School for the Blind were accessible and the living environment in the big “Green House” was comfortable and convenient for all of us who were away from home. She ensured that we had all necessary kitchen amenities like cooking pots and pans, plates and cutleries, and running washer and dryer for our living comfort and convenience. She also had an open-door policy where students could visit her in he office and engage in any personal and academic topics. ~Pia from Thailand

For me, Marianne will always be remembered for the warmth and light she brought into every room. She had a gentle spirit, a generous heart, and a way of making each person feel truly seen and valued. She always been one of my inspirations in life.  ~Dede from Indonesia

We are deeply grieved to hear the sad news. Marianne was more than our mentor; she was also a dear friend to us all, and she will be forever in our hearts.[Worship][Worship][Worship][Worship] – Quguiping from China

We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of our respected teacher, Marianne. Her dedication to education and kindness to students will remain in our hearts forever. May she rest in peace, and our sincere condolences to her family. – JiQin from China

My memories of Marianne are of a wonderful woman who was a gifted educator of all ages, a gracious, sincerely welcoming hostess, and an amazing cook! But also a loving mother to Michael and partner to Tom. This loss is huge for our field, but especially for her family and close friends. Holding you all in my heart. She will be with you always.

Marianne was light, she was human, she was laughter, she was joy, she was love, she was guidance. Every person she touched was left with a lasting mark. She lives forever within us as she rises to heaven. I will miss my trusting conversations with her, but I know she is in a better place. May her soul rest in peace.

Having worked closely with Marianne at Boston College, and with the International Program at Perkins I can think of few who have left such a remarkable impact on the  lives of children with multiple disabilities and their families.
The impact of her work, particularly in the developing world will be felt for generations to come. Rest in peace

Our convent will pray not only for Marianne, but also for Tom and their son, Michael. I will ask our congregation  priest to hold mass for Marianne. May Marianne rest in peace. ~Sr. Thao from Vietnam

Marianne literally changed the world with her life, love, and deep expertise. She is proof that one person truly can make a difference, and nothing is impossible. Thank you Marianne for teaching us all to dream big.

Marianne and I worked together for more than 40 years. Can you imagine the hours where I was able to learn and observe Marianne advocating and mentoring?
She had such respect for people she met beginning with children and families up to people in governments throughout the world. Marianne was kind,genuine and had the ability to individualize each relationship.

Marianne inspired me to take chances, believe in myself and always give my all for my students, and their families.  Marianne I will miss you greatly. I send love and light.

''My deepest consolences on the passing of dear Marianne,to Perkins community and her family Tom and Michael.
Marianne Riggio was a generous ,kind teacher and leader.
I have so many beautiful memories with her during my ELP's time ,2005-2006 at Perkins.
I remember her kind invitation at her house of our ELPs group 20 years ago ,when Michael  maybe 6 years old.
I also remember her important guidance about the deafblind education.
I am honored to have met her in my lifetime.
May Marianne's beautiful soul rest in ternal peace
Froso Zafiri from Athens Greece