Margaret Ann Riha

Margaret "Peggy" Riha June 14, 1951 - February 20, 2025 A dear, sweet woman has been peacefully released from her suffering. Peggy Riha passed away on February 20 of complications from Lewy Body Dementia. While we will miss our precious wife, sister and friend, we are grateful that she is now free from the disease that affected her these past years. Peggy was born in Bismarck, North Dakota. Life in Bismarck was idyllic in many ways as Peggy and her younger siblings, Patti and Dick, were raised in a loving home by parents who prioritized their children. Her dad was almost always home from his work as a dentist by 5:00, and her mother had dinner on the table shortly thereafter. The house had a large back yard and a golf course and baseball diamonds behind the fence, which resulted in many delightful summer activities for the family. They were lucky to be able to have long vacations in which they saw much of the United States. Of course, the children had to be separated in the car or a ruckus would ensue; Dick sat in the front seat between Mom and Dad while Peggy and Patti sat in the back with an imaginary line down the middle of the seat that they weren't allowed to cross. As a child, Peggy's father led her to believe that the flags flying around town on Flag Day (her birthday) were for her. It was this kind of sweet story that would follow the three "Riha kids" throughout their childhoods. Bismarck and North Dakota held a special place in Peggy's life and she loved spending summer vacations there as well as Christmases, once she moved to the Twin Cities. She was truly a prairie girl. Peggy attended Catholic schools in Bismarck and also at what was then The College of St. Catherine in St. Paul. Her faith remained important to her throughout her life. While at St. Catherine's, Peggy chose Library Science and English as her majors. She went on to graduate school at the University of Wisconsin Madison and received her master's degree in Library Science there. Except for stints at Macalester College and at Cargill's library, Peggy's entire career was with the Anoka County Library system. She worked at several locations, including the Northtown, Crooked Lake, Mississippi and Rum River locations, heading the libraries at Crooked Lake, Mississippi and Rum River. When computers for the patrons were first installed, she commented that she hadn't been schooled on that occurrence! It changed everything. Fun times for Peggy included caring for her dogs and collecting. She had extensive collections of Hummels, crystal trees, collie figurines, Waterford crystal, dishes and jewelry! She and Patti took annual antiquing trips all over Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and North Dakota, usually adding a piece or two to her collections. These trips were cherished times for both sisters. Vacations were also a large part of Peggy's life with Val, her husband. They traveled to Alaska, the Bahamas, Florida and Ireland, which especially delighted her because she revered her Irish heritage. Peggy made many friends while at St. Catherine's and these women remained her friends throughout her life. Frequent potlucks introduced new boyfriends, husbands and children to the group. She also stayed close to many librarians she met while working and they would commiserate about the perils of running libraries, for years after they'd retired. Peggy and Val created a beautiful home for themselves in Shoreview. Their townhouse sat on a pond, where they would laugh, then be irritated with, the wildlife messing up the place. They enjoyed many evenings on their deck with friends from the neighborhood. If the martini light in their front window was lit, it was time to party! Special thanks and deepest gratitude go to Meron and Terrance Joseph and their beautiful daughters Sophia and Gigi, Peggy's caregiving family during her illness. This family truly embodies what caregiving is about. Peggy received loving and compassionate care 24/7 and her family will never forget the many kindnesses extended to both Peggy and the family and friends who visited. Peggy is survived by her husband, Val Burdick, his two sons, Charles and Rob, Charles' wife Christy Haynes and their two children, Clark and Charlie. She is also survived by her sister Patti and her brother Richard. Predeceasing Peggy are her parents, Emil and Peggy. Memorials may be sent to St. Catherine University or the Humane Society. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00AM (visitation begins at 10:00AM) Wednesday, March 26 at St. Odilia Catholic Church, 3495 Victoria Street North, Shoreview, followed by interment in the St. Odilia Prayer Garden. A luncheon will follow. The service will also be livestreamed for those who cannot attend.

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Margaret Ann Riha

June 14, 1951 - February 20, 2025

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