Ann Elizabeth Wiggins

Beloved wife and mother, Ann Elizabeth Wiggins, of Alexandria, VA, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2010, her 87th birthday. She was born in Winfield, LI, NY to parents Carl and Svea Carlson in 1923. This is where she spent most of her childhood and where she completed her RN degree.

Ann loved being a nurse, first in civilian hospitals and later in the Navy Nurse Corps. Her compassion and empathy for the suffering of others moved her to pursue this career. Working in the delivery room, she treasured seeing new life come into the world. She also dearly loved working in pediatrics.

As a Navy nurse, Ann met the love of her life, Navy officer James R. Wiggins, in Jacksonville, FL. Spanning a full sixty years, their marriage resulted in four loving children, with whom they lived in a variety of locations, including Monterey, CA; Naples, Italy; Arlington, VA; and North Kingstown, RI.

For all of her married life, Ann centered her life around her husband and children. She was devoted to caring for all of them, and she was the backbone of their lives. Always encouraging, she truly believed that her children could accomplish anything they wanted. She was never judgmental, and supported them in their beliefs and pursuits. Her love and acceptance was something her family all knew they could count on, always.

After her children were grown, Ann pursued a variety of activities, including being a captain for the March of Dimes. She enjoyed swimming classes for a number of years, and later added music lessons to her repertoire. Handicrafts such as knitting and quilting gave her great pleasure, especially as she made beautiful creations for her grandchildren.

Ann is survived by her husband Jim, also of Alexandria; her daughters Patti Baldwin and husband Allen, Janice Cheeseman and husband Dave, and Linda Dzera and husband Rick; and her son Tom. She is also survived by several grandchildren: Allen Baldwin and his wife Jenn, Tom Baldwin and his wife Anna, Anna Cheeseman, James Cheeseman, John Dzera and Lisa Dzera. Ann was delighted to welcome great-granddaughter Nora Wiles Baldwin into the world this year.

Services for Ann will be held on October 28th, at 3pm in the Old Fort Myers Chapel. Those attending must arrive at the chapel by 2:30 pm. A burial service will follow at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Heart Association.