Ann T. Wiggins
August 5, 1929 - January 9, 2019
Ann T. Wiggins
Ann T. Wiggins, age 89, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 9, 2019. She is survived by her children, Deborah Wiggins-Pilar (Hector) of Elkton, MD, Michael P. Wiggins (Margie) of Ocean City, MD, John C. Wiggins of Middletown, Stephanie “Teri” Harwell (David) of Newark and Paul E. Wiggins, Jr (Clare) of Wilmington.
Ann was born in Marshallton, DE on August 5, 1929 to Harry Morton and Anna (Fritz) Temple. She was the youngest of 6, affectionately called “Sis,” by brothers Harrison Sterling Temple, Elmer Francis Temple, Ronald Eber Temple, Franklin Morton Temple and Walter L. Temple; and sister, Evelyn Mae Peacock. Sis was an energetic and strong-willed girl with Shirley Temple curls.
As a fashionable young woman working at Haveg Industries in Marshallton, she caught the eye of coworker Paul E. Wiggins, Sr., and they were married on Feb. 26, 1949. Their partnership lasted 52 years and she cared for him as he battled heart disease until his death in 2001.
Ann and Paul raised 5 children on Appleby Rd. in New Castle, growing up along with a village of great neighbors including Tiberis, Kemps, Beisners, and Wiggins’ cousins. Her tireless strength and good humor added to her Appleby Rd legend. She could often be found supporting her kids’ endeavors, feeding horses, sewing saddle cloths and doll clothes, and keeping the family in line. She was an expert antiquer, sharp dresser, skilled race horse handicapper, and all-around fun person.
In her later years, living with son Paul Jr and family, “Mommom” remained just as invaluable to her 7 grandchildren (Max, Heather, Marcie, Amanda, Joseph, Zeke and Cody) and 4 great grandchildren (Lilly, Charlotte, Dmitri and Ivy), as well as many nieces and nephews.
Age never stopped her: She toured Disney World, took beach vacations, got down on the floor to play with babies, rode on a go-kart, and became a popular face at the Christiana Care Adult Day Program senior center “” all fueled in large part by hot tea and Tastykakes.
Words cannot truly express how important she was to her friends and family. Ann will be forever missed but never forgotten as her spirit and warmth live on in them.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Friday, January 18, 2019, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. Interment will follow at Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ann’s memory to Christiana Care Evergreen Center (under Area of Designation, select “The VNA Evergreen Center”.)
William Kemp
My prayers and condolences to the family. Love you Mrs. Wiggins, you were a second mom to me. I will never forget you
Debbie Wiggins
Mom was always there for me watching my kids and sometimes helping around the barn when I was at Delaware Park. I hope she knew how much I loved and appreciated her.
Bob Wiggins
A remarkable woman, a loving aunt with a great sense of humor, and a loss to us all. She will be missed. May she rest in peace.
Sandy (Wiggins) Corrozi
Aunt Ann was a wonderful sweet lady. So very sorry for your loss. Condolences to you and your family. I am in Florida and will not be able to attend the service but will have you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Berlin
Our family hopes to do you homage by our lives. Your grandson,Brandon,and great-grandson,Nicholas
very much sought to know you, and hope we will meet on the other side.
Mary Berlin
Gayle Pennington
On behalf of all of our clients/friends, staff and volunteers in the Christiana Care Adult Day Program, we send our deepest sympathy to the family of Ms. Ann, a very special lady who we will all miss – her humor, her energy and her kindness to others.
Gayle Pennington
Teri Harwell
My mother enjoyed so much coming to the “Senior Center” several days a week for the past several years. Everyone there was like family to her.
Joseph Tiberi Sr.
Sorry for your loss. Mrs. Wiggins was a great mom and always made us like we were part of her family. She will be deeply missed by all and we will never forget the memories we made at her house.
Joseph Tiberi Sr.
Sorry for your loss. Mrs. Wiggins was a great mom and always made us like we were part of her family. She will be deeply missed by all and we will never forget the memories we made at her house.
Mary and Ron Temple, Jr.
My son, John, is working on our genealogy and found this. We are sorry on the passing of Aunt Sis. Remember quite clearly when she and uncle Paul came up to Ellington, Ct. to visit. Have fond memories of her letters coming with news of the family. Our prayers are with you and the family.