Barbara Ann Wigen

1936-2017

Barbara Wigen passed peacefully on March 5, 2017 in Everett Washington, surrounded by family after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Seattle to Robert and Sarah Klock, Barbara grew up in the Magnolia area, graduating in 1954 as a proud Grizzly from Queen Anne High School. She attended the University of Washington thereafter, joining the sisterhood of Alpha Xi Delta sorority. In 1960 she met and married George Wigen and had two children (Terry & Andy). The family moved to the California Bay Area in 1965 where Barbara would spend many cherished years raising her children in the quaint community of Pleasanton, California. After raising her kids, Barbara returned to college, graduating from San Jose State University with a degree in Business Administration in 1981. She then pursued an accounting career at Viacom Communications (Comcast) in Dublin California before returning to her roots and family in Washington in 1985. Barbara eventually settled in the beautiful community of Mill Creek, Washington, working in the accounting division of the Everett Herald (Daily Herald) newspaper. Throughout her life, Barbara was passionate about animal welfare so it seemed natural for her to embark on a second career as a professional pet sitter in 1993. For over 20 years the Purr-fect Catnanny was a devoted, skilled pet sitter to hundreds of cats, dogs and other critters throughout the greater Northern Seattle area. "Barb" was an accomplished seamstress, gardener, cook and even dabbled in production of a specialized mustard line. She was a sweet and loving "Gram" to her treasured grandchildren Riley and Colton Wigen. She also had a very special place in her heart for her loving niece, Pamela Thain/Alan. Barbara is survived by her daughter, Terry Wills/Doug and son, Andy Wigen/Carla, brother Thomas Klock, many nieces and nephews and several "daughters" who called her mom. We will miss her dearly.

Donations on Barbara's behalf can be made to PAWS animal rescue in Lynnwood Washington www.paws.org. A Celebration of Life will be held on April 8, 2017. Contact Andy Wigen at awigen@msn.