Wendy Chabert: Remembering Lacey Chabert’s Sister

Wendy Chabert Riggio was best known as the older sister of actress Lacey Chabert, but she was far more than a famous sibling. She was a mother, a wife, a daughter, and someone who left a lasting impression on the people around her. In November 2021, the Chabert family and fans alike were shaken by the news that Wendy had passed away at just 46 years old. Her death came as a shock, and to this day, the cause hasn’t been publicly confirmed.

This is a look back at her life, her family, and the legacy she left behind.

Early Life

Wendy Chabert was born in 1975 in Purvis, Mississippi, a small town in the southern part of the state. She grew up in a close-knit household with strong family ties. Her father, Tony Chabert, had Cajun roots from Louisiana, and her mother, Julie Johnson, kept the household running while raising four children.

From an early age, Wendy shared a particularly close bond with her mother. She was the eldest of the Chabert siblings, and by all accounts, she took that role seriously. As the firstborn, she helped set the tone in the family and looked out for her younger brothers and sister.

After finishing her schooling in Mississippi, Wendy pursued various interests. She had a passion for baking and cooking, which she studied formally. She also worked in modeling and built an audience on social media over the years, where she shared pieces of her daily life, fitness routines, and personal interests with followers who appreciated her down-to-earth personality.

The Chabert Family

The Chabert family hailed from southern Mississippi with deep Cajun and mixed heritage, including Italian, English, and Scottish ancestry. Tony and Julie raised their four children in a household that valued togetherness.

Wendy was the oldest. Her siblings included Chrissy Chabert, the famous Lacey, and their younger brother T.J. Chabert. While Lacey went on to become a household name in Hollywood, the rest of the family stayed largely out of the public eye. That said, they remained close. The Chaberts were the kind of family that showed up for one another, and that bond was evident in how Lacey spoke about her sisters throughout the years.

Wendy eventually settled in Texas with her husband, Shane Riggio, a YouTube content creator. Together, they had two sons. While the details of their private life remained mostly out of the spotlight, it’s clear the family unit was a central part of Wendy’s world.

Her Sister Lacey Chabert

It’s impossible to tell Wendy’s story without mentioning Lacey, the sibling who brought the Chabert name into the public consciousness. Lacey Chabert was born in September 1982 in Purvis, Mississippi, and showed talent from an extremely young age. She got her start on Broadway, performing in Les Miserables as a child, and went on to land roles in Party of Five, Mean Girls, and dozens of Hallmark Channel movies.

Lacey has often been called the “Queen of Hallmark Christmas Movies,” and she’s earned that title with more than 30 films for the network. But behind the cameras, she was always a devoted sister. She spoke openly about her family and how much they meant to her. When she married David Nehdar in 2013, and when their daughter Julia was born in 2016, the Chabert family celebrated together.

Wendy and Lacey shared a bond that went beyond typical sibling closeness. Lacey looked up to Wendy as a big sister and confidante, someone she could call anytime, for anything. That relationship would make Wendy’s passing all the more devastating.

Her Passing

In late November 2021, the Chabert family received the kind of news no family should ever have to face. Wendy Chabert Riggio passed away at the age of 46. The exact date fell around November 22 to 24, 2021.

Lacey confirmed her sister’s death through an emotional post on Instagram. She wrote that the family’s hearts were “shattered into a million pieces” and that their lives would never be the same. The raw grief in her words resonated with fans and strangers alike, many of whom reached out with messages of support.

The cause of Wendy’s death was never publicly disclosed by the family, and that decision deserves respect. What matters is the life she lived, not the circumstances of her passing. She was 46 — far too young — and she left behind two sons, a husband, parents, and siblings who loved her deeply.

Legacy and Remembrance

In the months that followed Wendy’s death, Lacey continued to speak about her grief. In February 2022, she shared that she still reached for her phone multiple times a day to call Wendy before remembering she couldn’t. She described the grief as a journey — one that was ongoing and difficult.

Wendy didn’t seek the spotlight, and she didn’t need it. She built a life around family, creativity, and the things she loved. She was a baker who could light up a room. She was a mother who raised two boys. She was a big sister who held her family together in ways that only the people closest to her truly understood.

For those who followed the Chabert family, Wendy’s passing was a reminder that loss doesn’t discriminate. It touches every family, famous or not. And the way the Chaberts came together in their grief — publicly and privately — spoke volumes about the kind of woman Wendy was and the family she helped shape.

She’s deeply missed, and she won’t be forgotten.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Wendy Chabert?

Wendy Chabert Riggio was the older sister of actress Lacey Chabert. She was born in 1975 in Purvis, Mississippi, and worked in modeling and baking throughout her life.

How did Wendy Chabert die?

The cause of Wendy’s death has not been publicly confirmed by the family. She passed away in November 2021 at the age of 46. The family has chosen to keep those details private.

Was Wendy Chabert married?

Yes, Wendy was married to Shane Riggio. They lived in Texas and had two sons together.

How many siblings does Lacey Chabert have?

Lacey Chabert has three siblings: Wendy Chabert (deceased), Chrissy Chabert, and a younger brother, T.J. Chabert.

How old was Wendy Chabert when she died?

Wendy was 46 years old at the time of her passing in November 2021.

Related Celebrities

• Wendy Rossmeyer — another woman known through her family connections, married into the Van Patten family