Elaine Ann Sullivan Wiggins was born April 8, 1937 in Panama, Iowa. She was the daughter of John Eugene Sullivan and Pauline Elizabeth Von Tersch Sullivan.
Elaine graduated from Jefferson High School in 1955, and then graduated from St. Anthony’s School of Nursing in 1958. On Sept. 13, 1958, Elaine was united in marriage to Charles F. Wiggins and they became the parents of four children: Theresa, Cynthia, Charles Jr., and John.
Elaine worked 43 years at the Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson. She was a nursing supervisor from 1977 – 2003. Elaine was named employee of the month as well as employee of the year. She retired in 2003. Elaine was a Greene Backer for Greene County Medical Center. After her retirement, she was active in the Greene County Medical Center Auxiliary. Also, Elaine was an active volunteer for the Jefferson Public Elementary School and the Jefferson Public Library where she was named a Friend of the Library.
Elaine was a member of St. Joseph Catholic church in Jefferson, and was a member of the Women’s Guild and Council of Women. She volunteered for the church’s faith formation classes for nine years.
Elaine passed away March 3, 2023 at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids. She was 85 years of age. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1981; four brothers; John Philip, James, Farrell and Charles; one sister: Rosemary Carey; and nephews: Joe Sullivan and Craig Carey.
Survivors include her children: Theresa Durbin; Cynthia Wiggins; Charles (Traci) Wiggins, Jr.; and John (Angie) Wiggins; grandchildren: Nick (Krista) Morlan, Stacy (Jeff) Stream, Katelyn Durbin, Megan Durbin, Ethan (Shelby) Wiggins, Spencer Wiggins, J.R. (Erica) Miller, Haley (Bryan Jeffery) Wiggins, Zach (Allie Lansman) Wiggins, and Gabe Wiggins; great-grandchildren: Emily and Luke Morlan; Nicholas, Waytt and Jackson Stream; Oliver and Elinor Wiggins; and Jenna and Aiden Miller; other relatives and many friends.
Memorials are suggested to Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids, or the Jefferson Public Library. Services were arranged with Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson
Rosary was held Monday, March 6 at the Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson. Mass of the Resurrection was held Tuesday, March 7 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jefferson.