HOULTON – Gwendolyn Jean Wiggins, 78, passed away Aug. 27, 2013, at home. She was born Jan. 7, 1935, in Houlton, to Miles and Bessie (Nightingale) White.
She grew up on the White Settlement Road with brothers, Wilbur, Raymond “Mickey,” Grover, and Dennis and sister, Elaine. She was a graduate of Houlton High School, class of 1952, and married her sweetheart, John, on Dec. 10, 1953. She worked over the years for Rodney Palmer, McGilliicudy Oil, Andy’s IGA, with the longest period of time at Houlton Federal Credit Union where she became manager. She was a member of Military Street Baptist Church where she attended church with her children and faithfully took her neighbor, Lillian, for many years.
She helped John for many years remodeling their home, tending the garden, picking raspberries for friends and family, snowmobiling, fishing, four-wheeling and camping. They enjoyed their trips to visit family in Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma and Alaska, but always enjoyed coming home.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, John in April 2013; and her brother, Wilbur in 1995. She is survived by her children, Stephen of Houlton, Douglas and Pamela Arlene of Oklahoma City, Cheryl and Kevin Derrah of Bangor and Tammy Sanford of Houlton; grandchildren, Heather and Jake Bartlett, Nicholas Wiggins and Rachel Finnemore, Jonathan Wiggins, Lorraine and Peter Ingraham, Owen and Kendra Wiggins, Audra Wiggins, Matthew and Jordan Derrah, Kevin “Artie” and Kristen Sanford, and Kirby and Brittany Sanford; and great-grandchildren, Ariel and TJ Farrar, Noah and Natalie Bartlett, Annabelle, Bayleigh and Gavin Wiggins, Nicholas Layton, Alessandra Thakoor, Wyatt Lee and Hunter Sanford. She also leaves behind her siblings, Elaine and Gerald Duff, Grover and Enid White, Raymond and Joyce White, and Dennis and Sally White; sister-in-law, Frieda Jeffrey; and brother-in-law, Lawrence Wiggins and his wife, Marie. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
The family would like to thank Dr. Ted Sussman, Madigan Home Health Care, Hospice of Aroostook, Marlyn London and our special niece, Ariel, for the care they provided to Mom in recent months.
Family and friends may visit 11 a.m.-1 p.m. until time of service Friday, Aug. 30, at Dunn Funeral Home, Houlton, with Pastor Randall Burns and Pastor Gary Johnson officiating. Those who wish to make donations in Gwen’s memory may do so to the Houlton Humane Society; or the charity of ones choice, care of Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park St., Houlton, ME 04730. Online guest book and Condolences at:www.dunnfuneral.com.
Gwendolyn Jean Wiggins
