Patricia Catherine Kelly Wiggins

Patricia Catherine Kelly Wiggins, 90, born and raised in the borough of Queens, New York, formerly of Raleigh NC, and Hampstead NC, went to her eternal home on Thursday June 30, 2023, after a brief illness. 

Beloved Patricia is survived by 4 sons, John Michael, (wife Lynne), Cameron Benjamin, (wife Laura), Haywood Daniel (wife Nancy), and William Matthew, (wife Kelly).

Also surviving are nine grandchildren: Cameron B. II (wife Melissa), Stephen Brandon (wife Maryanna), Michael Christopher (wife Stephanie), Ethan Sloan, (wife Megan), Whitney Helene (husband Cory Thomas), Daniele Patricia, (fiancé Kevin), Haywood Daniel Jr., and John Carson, Slater, 11 Great-grandchildren, Fiona, Micah, Lachlan, Ethan, and Aidan; Isabella and Levi; William Oliver, Henry Michael, Ava Grace, and Historia James.

She is predeceased in death by her father, Michael Patrick Kelly, mother, Margaret Patricia Kelly and son, James Bradford Wiggins, Jr.

Patricia led an incredible life and traveled extensively, becoming an Airline Stewardess for Pan American Airlines, eventually becoming their Snow Queen of 1955, during which, she was photographed adorned in dozens of Mink pelts. (Well, that sort of thing was acceptable during that era and was quite stunning). 

Never one to sit idle, (how can you with 5 boys?) she enrolled in Wake Technical Institute, receiving her Operating Room Technician (ORT) qualification in the early 70’s, graduating at the top of the Dean’s List. We all can attest to her exuberance the day she came home after scrubbing on her first C-section and was always excited to share stories of participating in her latest medical procedure. 

She later became the Executive Secretary for the Raleigh Regional office of a nationwide nursing home corporation, The Hillhaven Foundation, and became the creator of, Hear Us, See Us”. This was a nation-wide, nursing home competition created to give a voice to the hundreds of residents of Hillhaven to showcase their amazing artistic and poetic creative talent, and gave many residents an outlet they’d never explored, enhancing their lives. This competition gained such notoriety that Mom was considered for ABC’s, “Person of the Week” in the late 70’s. She was always our, person of the week and will forever remain so.

Our house on 2020 Ridge Road was the “gathering place” as Mom was also an incredible cook too, and could feed half the neighborhood with her “Ranch Beans” and “Spaghetti” dishes, and we all can certainly attest to her notoriety far and wide in the late 60’s and early 70’s for, “Pat’s Cheesecake” -she baked and delivered hundreds of cakes all over the Raleigh area to include restaurants and private parties. Most notably was the “Frog and Nightgown” of Cameron Village where Bette Midler was appearing with Barry Manilow and, after sampling one of her cheesecakes received a call from the restaurant’s owner to meet her. 

It is almost impossible to adequately capture in our limited time here, the countless amazing stories and wonderful memories we’d love to share, so it is only appropriate we forever remember Mom as the bright, loving, selfless, beautiful lady she was to all. 

Patricia was a devoted Catholic and served the church for several years.

Her physical body may have left our presence here, but she’s now rejoicing in her heavenly home where her spirit is encircled by angels free from pain and the confines of this earth.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11am, Tuesday, July 18, at All Saints Catholic Church in Hampstead.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice in memory of Patricia.