Sylvia N. Wiggins

Sylvia N. Wiggins,93 of St.Ignace passed away peacefully Thursday afternoon, September 19 at Castle Rock Retirement Center. She was born February 24,1926 in Rudyard to John and Mary (Pitzen) Stevens. She graduated from Rudyard High School in 1944,and has been very active in her community her whole life. She married Benson Wiggins Jr. on February 7,1948 and he passed away September 12,1996. In 1945 she worked for the Military War Intelligence Department in WAshington .D.C. . She and Ben made their home in ST.Ignace and lived here all her life. Ben returned from WWll with extensive injuries and had spent many months in Percy Jones Hospital in Battle Creek and was discharged in 1945 . In 1958 they purchased the Fashion Shoppe on State STreet and owned until 1966. Being a farm girl, Sylvia was always a working girl. She was a Champion Golfer, and has many awards in her name. She also loved Bridge, and played in several groups. In the 70s she was Treas. of The Hospital Auxilary; Treas. of the Womens, Golf League, and Secreatary of the Red Cross. She was Mackinac County Finance Chair for the Republican Party, for the 11th Congretional District; (And her husband Ben was an avid Democrat), and in the 80s she was Secretary of the Gros Cap School. In 1980 she and Ben bought the St.Ignace Greenhouse and Flower Shop and sold in 1984 to Carolyn and Bruce Dodson.(now St.Ignace in Bloom)i. As a hobby she was a artist, and painted many paintings.still in her home. Sylviia has spent her last days in retirement assisted living, and a month in Castle Rock Retirement Center.where she received excellent care. She is survived by a loving family, Daughter, Melody Montcalm, (Wade Huskey), ST.Ignace; son Benjamin and Sharon Wilggins, Methuen, Mass; brother in law, Gerald (Skip) and LaRaine Wiggins, Newberry; grandchildren, Dr Dana and Dr Dan Dombrowski, in Idaho; Justin and Wendy Neelis, in BocoRotan, Florida; Derick Neelis, Grand Rapids; Ashley Neelis, Philadelphia; great grandchildren Madison Olivia and Preston James Neelis.She was preceded in death by a daughter, MaryLu Neelis in 2018, and a son in law James Montalm in 2006. and a daughter, Cheryl Ann in 1952. Also a sisters in law, Elouise Teddy and Darlene Moody. She will be sorely missed by those who loved her, and especially her therapy dog, Lexi; Visitation will be Saturday, September 28 from 11 to 12 noon at the United Methodist Church where she was a longtime member. Services will be at noon with Pastor Eric Falker officiating. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery next to her hudband and daughers. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of the STraits with envelopes available from Dodson Funeral Home who asisted with arrangements.

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Sylvia N. Wiggins

September 19, 2019