We mournfully announce the passing of Kelly Rigel, 56, of Dania Beach, Florida. Kelly passed away on the afternoon of Friday, July 30th.
Born on May 26th 1965 to Jackie Lockett & Wayne Rigel in Biloxi Mississippi, Kelly instantly carried contagious joy and laughter into the world. Kelly went on to graduate from Dundee High School in 1983 in Dundee, Michigan ; as well as studying at University of Southern Mississippi. After school Kelly went on to begin the adventure that was her life – before calling South Florida her home and beginning her career in the marine industry.
Kelly fell in love with and became a beloved team cornerstone in her position with High Seas Yacht Service – which kicked off a 10 year stint in the field and with the company. Outside of work, a perfectly measured recipe consisting of Boy Scouts Leadership, Anne Rice novels, generational baking and cherished time with a few decade-long friends took up most of her time.
A fiercely dedicated mother, Kelly raised 3 children into passionate and dynamic individuals. She is survived by her two daughters, Abby and Mercedes, as well as her son James ; and her older brother Danny. The hole left by her absence is impossible to fill.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, August 21, 2021 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM with Tributes of a Lifetime beginning at 3:00 PM at Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, 6400 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Florida 33024.
For those who cannot attend the Service, the family is providing a live video stream of the service for family and friends to attend virtually at 3:00 PM on August 21, 2021; This will be LIVE on the Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care Facebook page at: Hover & Click to the Right of the Arrow —> BOYD-PANCIERA FAMILY FUNERAL CARE FACEBOOK
Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, Hollywood Chapel
© 2025 Boyd Panciera. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Vivian Rigel Bartko
August 18, 2021, 5:49 pm
We are so incredibly heart-broken that you were taken much too soon. Whenever I think of you, I will always picture a wonderful smile – maybe more of a mischievous grin, at times 🙂 I hope you are having a great time up there with all the family who went before you. I will love and miss you always! Danny, Donna, Abby, Mercedes and James – I am so sorry that you have lost such a wonderful sister and mother, and beautiful soul. You are all in our continued thoughts and prayers. Love y’all.
Samantha
August 19, 2021, 1:14 am
Kelly, you came into my life during a time when I needed you the most, and I didn’t even realize it. In many ways, you helped to shape the woman I am today and without you, I know I wouldn’t be who I am so proud to say I am. You’re one of the strongest people that I have ever known and I am missing you here on earth with me greatly.
I love you forever Kelly.
Trish Glad
August 21, 2021, 7:47 pm
My heart goes out to you and yours during this time. Always remember your ILP community is here for you @Mercedes Brandt!
Christine
August 21, 2021, 11:24 pm
Kelly was my first friend when I moved to Biloxi as a child. Even though I lost touch with her after she moved to Florida, I will never forget her. I was young, my parents had just divorced and I moved to a new state with my mom. Kelly was the first person to say hi and we were 4th grade fast friends! I am so sorry for your loss.
Christine Seal Moseley
Biloxi, Mississippi
Minerva
August 22, 2021, 11:43 pm
Your mother is beautiful. I love her smile. May she Rest In Peace.