Carolyn M. Wiggins

Carolyn M. Wiggins, age 79, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away of complications of multiple myeloma on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in Longmont, Colorado. She was born on June 3, 1943 in Sulphur Springs, Texas to the late Oliver “Finley” and Laura “Margaret” (Putnam) McLarry.

Carolyn grew up in rural Hopkins County, Texas, before moving to town in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Her earliest ambition was to become a teacher, and her first "student" was her younger sister. She graduated from East Texas State College with degrees in English and history and then taught in high schools in Dalhart and Lamesa, Texas. In Lamesa, she met her future husband, Wayne, who served in the U.S. Army. They married on July 8, 1970 in Hawaii while Wayne was on R&R from war service in Vietnam. Military life took the couple to adventurous places such as Killeen, Texas where son, Mark, was born; Livorno, Italy where son, Paul, was born; and finally Sparta, Wisconsin where Carolyn returned to teaching. She became an elementary learning disabilities specialist and earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. In 2008, Carolyn and Wayne moved to Colorado to spend more time with their grandchildren. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary together in 2020 before Wayne’s death of a degenerative brain condition the following year.

She lived life knowing she was an imperfect sinner saved by God’s grace. She tried to faithfully put God at the center of her life, her marriage, and her family, seeking His will and obeying Him. Carolyn loved volunteering as a church preschool teacher and Vacation Bible School director, as well as training children’s teachers in churches throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. She led women’s Bible studies in Wisconsin and Colorado. Carolyn enjoyed reading, puzzles, games, and meals shared with family and friends. In retirement, she loved extended trips with her husband to the family lake house in East Texas each spring and fall.

Carolyn is survived by her sons Mark (Wendy) Wiggins of St. Louis Park, MN, and Paul (Debbie) Wiggins and their children, Emily and Brian, of Longmont, CO; sister Ann (Clay) Krueger of Center, TX; sister-in-law Janice Culp of Lamesa, TX; sister-in-law, Janice Wiggins of Dallas, TX; brothers-in-law, Pat (Becky) Wiggins of New Braunfels, TX and Bob (Debbie) Wiggins of Midland, TX; and 9 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne, her parents; brother-in-law, Mike Wiggins; brother-in law, Ronnie Culp; and in-laws Loyd and Alma Wiggins.

A visitation for Carolyn will be held Wednesday, May 10, 2023 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at Howe Mortuary, 439 Coffman Street in Longmont, as well as 9:00am - 9:30am on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Longmont Calvary Church, 2101 Gay Street in Longmont. A funeral service will take place Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 9:30am at Longmont Calvary Church, 2101 Gay Street in Longmont. A private burial will occur at the Longmont Mountain View Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to TRU Community Care, 2594 Trailridge Drive East, Lafayette, CO 80026.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the Wiggins family.