Mary Wiggins

Born Into Life - Mary, a beloved mother, grandmother, and a great-grandmother, was born on August 17, 1938, to Elizabeth and Cornelius Holmes. Mary was the oldest of 12 children. She was born in Sikeston, Missouri, moved to Cairo, Illinois at an early age, and in her teen years moved to Chicago. There she met Robert Wiggins, whom she married in 1955. Born of this union were Cynthia, Robert Jr. (“Chris”), and Steve Wiggins.

Church Affiliation – Mary was a devout Catholic. She regularly attended services at Holy Angels Catholic Church and St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church. She sent her children to Holy Angels Catholic School. 

Education – Mary graduated Wendell Phillips High School, which she attended at night so she could work during the day as a bartender to support her family. After high school, she graduated from Kennedy-King College and took additional courses at Governors State University.

Employment – After college, Mary worked for Kelly Girl as a key punch operator. She then worked at the Railroad Retirement Board, followed by office employment at the Chicago Board of Education, and finally worked at and retired from the Chicago Housing Authority. Mary dedicated her life to raising her children in a decent environment and loving home. She was a strong woman with pride in her achievements and those of her children. 

Born Into Eternity – Mary passed this life on January 26, 2021, after a long illness. Although the Covid-19 pandemic kept Mary separate from her children during the last year of life, she spoke to them several times daily by phone, just as she had done for decades. 

Preceded in Death – Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; and by her siblings, Frank, Johnny, Henry, Cornelius, Bill, Sam, Dot, Pearl, and Annie.

Leaves to Cherish – To cherish her memories, Mary leaves her daughter, Cynthia Wiggins-Sarles (Jeff); sons, Robert Wiggins, Jr. (Sharon), and Steve Wiggins (Ava); granddaughter, Shanika Monique Wiggins; grandson, Chris Wiggins; great-grandson, Malcolm Wiggins; brothers, Jerome and Bob Holmes; and a host of friends and family, including Rosalind Scott and Ava Scott.

Mom, we love you.
God knows best and called you home to rest. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Wiggins, please visit our floral store.