Hickory – Satsu “Mariko” Wiggins, 91 of Hickory, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Born on November 17, 1929 in Matsushima, Japan, Satsu was the daughter of the late Chiyokichi Sato and Kiyosi Watanabe. She was a seamstress for over 35 years, retiring from Zerden's Clothing Store. She became a United States naturalized citizen in 1965. She was a member of the Japanese Wives Club which assisted all military wives with learning American culture.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, James H. Wiggins; and daughter, Linda Keiko Akins.
She is survived by a daughter, Jo Ann Ripley and husband David; four grandchildren, Christopher Wiggins of San Antonio, TX, Alyshia Powell and husband Troy of Lithia Springs, GA, Lisa Potter of Blountville, TN, and Jeremiah Ripley and girlfriend Dorothy Buff; twelve great-grandchildren Jade Wiggins, Cameron Stahl, Tyler Ripley, Amber Byrd, Tori Wiggins, Chandler Smith, Cyle Smith, Catherine Neighbors, Logan Wiggins, Shea Wiggins, Layney Potter, and Abby Potter; and one great-great grandchild, Ezra Byrd.
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She was loved by all. The night is one star short tonight, but the brightness she left in our hearts will be with us all for the rest of our lives.”
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Corinth Reformed Church at 150 – 16th Ave NW, Hickory, NC 28601, in the Mitchell House on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 12:00 pm. Angela Smith will be leading the Lord’s Prayer.
After the service, the family will receive friends until 3:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project in Satsu’s name.
Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.
The Wiggins family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.
