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Shirley Jean Wiggin

Shirley Jean Wiggin, 87, of Merrimack, NH died Saturday December 25, 2010 at the Genesis Transitional Care Unit in Bedford, NH after a period of declining health.

She was born in Manilla, Iowa on Feb. 20, 1923, one of three children of Alden and Carolina (McCracken) Sykes.

Shirley served in the US Navy during World War II. She was responsible for changing the way ocean depths were mapped during that time period. She was married to her late husband, Richard G. Wiggin for 39 years and spent most of her married life and thereafter in Arlington, VA and had two children, Craig and Melody.

Shirley is survived by a large family. Her son and caretaker for many years, Craig R. Wiggin. Her daughter, Melody A. Bergevin and son-in-law Robert L. Bergevin. Granddaughter Kaitlin A. Sloper and husband Doug M. Boisvert and children, Mariah, Haley, Jillian and Ashlyn. Granddaughter Kristen L. Sloper and soon-to-be son-in-law Benjamin Porto and son Jonathan (expected in Spring ’11). Grandson Nathan R. Sloper and girlfriend Jennifer M. O’Callaghan and son Deven. Granddaughter Bryanna R. Bergevin. And beloved family friend and surrogate daughter Patricia J. Farrington and husband Walter Calkin Farrington II and son Walter Calkin Farrington III.

An enthusiast of the arts, Shirley’s greatest passion was painting. She was an accomplished and award winning watercolor artist, producing hundreds of works of art. A mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and best friend…Shirley was well loved and a true inspiration to all who knew her. She treated all people regardless of race, color, religion or economic status with grace, dignity and kindness. She has always told everyone how lucky she has been and had a very full and wonderful life. God truly used an artist’s brush when He created her.

Calling hours are in the George R. Rivet Funeral Home, 425 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, Thursday Dec. 30 from 6-8 PM with a Memorial Service directly following. In lieu of flowers those who wish may make a donation, in memory of Shirley Wiggin, to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Relief Fund (VFW Post 8641, 282 DW Highway, Merrimack, NH, 03054, Attn: Quartermaster).