Family Honors Wife and Mother Through a Lasting Legacy Gift

"Your legacy is the impact you make on others, and the nursing program did that for Kristi," said Robert Duffy, husband of the late Kristi Ann Riggs Duffy '75, who added to her legacy by including Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in their estate plans.

Kristi and Robert were married for over 40 years when she passed in 2014 at the age of 61. Her passion for healthcare was founded in her time at Our Lady of the Lake Nursing School in Baton Rouge.

She led a life of grace and service through her passion for healthcare. Her work took her around the country, holding positions with various organizations. She helped others through her work as an infection control nurse and her study of AIDS in the 1980s.

When Robert's mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, Kristi started researching the disease and volunteered her time and services to establish an Alzheimer's unit at the nursing home where his mom was.

"This gift to Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University will inspire future nurses to have the same passion Kristi did to become a nurse and serve others," stated Robert. "Giving back to FranU is so important because it was a place that meant so much to Kristi; it turned her life around. It also means a lot to her children to donate to Fran U in honor of their mom. It helps FranU continue its work and keep educating quality nurses to help the community and the country."

FranU's Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Judith Roberson, said, "This gift will be the largest legacy gift received by FranU students and bring Kristi's legacy full circle, supporting the strong foundation of nursing education she benefited from when she was here as a student."

This gift, a beneficiary designation of life insurance, will endow an annual scholarship to the Nursing program at FranU in the name of Krisit Riggs Duffy.

With this gift, Robert and Kristi also became members of the inaugural 1923 Legacy Society, which was launched this year. Members of the 1923 Legacy Society are those who commit to supporting FranU through a planned gift.

To learn more about creating your legacy with FranU, visit franulegacy.org or call 225-526-1652.