Manuela Riadigos

Manuela Camiño Riadigos of Kearny, NJ, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on March 30, 2021 at the age of 87. Manola, as she was called by those closest to her, was born on September 12, 1933 in A Coruña, Spain. A proud Galician, Manola was the daughter of a fisherman and a homemaker. She was one of four siblings, who she loved immensely and remembered all throughout her life. Manola had a pure zest for life, and lived a wonderful and happy childhood with her family. She loved to dance, sing and perform, and passed this love on to her granddaughter.  In 1959 she married her husband of 61 years and love of her life, Jose Riadigos. In 1961 after the birth of their daughter Maria José, they took a leap of faith and left their home and loved ones in Spain to move to Neuchâtel, Switzerland, where they lived a joyful 6 years with dear friends, raising their daughter while nestled in the beauty of the Swiss countryside. In 1967 they fulfilled their dream of moving to the United States of America, and joined Manola’s sister Carmen, brother-in-law Jaime and niece Carmen in Newark, NJ. For 22 years Manola worked as a seamstress and enjoyed countless happy and joyful times with friends who turned into family in Newark and later Kearny, NJ. A lover of the Christmas season, she hosted countless holiday gatherings and parties in her home over the years for friends and family.  Manola found joy in what many consider to be simple things - a casual visit to Macy's with her daughter and granddaughter was one of her favorite ways to spend a Saturday. She lived in the moment and learned how to enjoy daily experiences that others take for granted. It is hard to enjoy every moment of life in such a fast-paced world, but somehow, Manola effortlessly found joy in life's simplicity.

In 1989, Manola retired to care for her new-born granddaughter, and helped to raise both her and her grandson, who was born in 1992. She passed the gift of the Spanish language on to her grandchildren, and spent countless hours teaching them, caring for them, and most importantly, sharing her memories with them. Manola constantly reminded those she loved most to enjoy every moment of life - “¡Disfruta!” - she would say. It means just that, to enjoy.

Manola is survived by her beloved husband, Jose Riadigos, daughter and son-in-law Maria and Mark Sheptock, granddaughter and grandson-in-law Suzanne and Matt Gregory and grandson Mark Sheptock and fiancé Amy Quach.

Visitation will be on Monday April 5 from 4-7PM at Armitage and Wiggins Funeral Home in Kearny, NJ. The memorial service and burial will take place April 9 at Good Shepherd Cemetery in Huntington Beach, CA so that Manola can always be close to her beloved family.

Manola was a cancer survivor and loved children - in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in her memory. Most importantly, remember to enjoy life. “¡Disfruta!”

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