ELIZA PENNEY RIEGELMAN

SOUTH BURLINGTON — 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 Company, 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 UVM 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, and her husband, Paul Monti, and their son, Memphis Monti, of San Francisco, Calif.. Eliza is 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 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, Aug. 3, from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. at Burlington Beer Company’s Lumière Hall event space. You may enter the door on the left rear of the building at 180 Flynn Ave. in Burlington, Vt..

We look forward to seeing you, and hearing some good stories about our girl. ◊