Frances Rota Wiggins passed away on Saturday December 5th at the age of 83 after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was surrounded by her family and at peace at the time of her death. She was predeceased by parents, Luigi and Mercedes Rota, and her brother Carlos. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Rodney J Wiggins; brother Giovanni (Mary) Rota; children, Rodney H. (Carrie) Wiggins, Michael Wiggins, Roxanne (David) Spogen, Steven (Stacy) Wiggins, Kevin Wiggins; grandchildren, Rodney H. (Whitney) Wiggins Jr., Jessica Wiggins, Angelica (Pat) Whalen, Kyle (Elizabeth) Spogen, Justin Wiggins, Sara (Spark) Hanna, Phillip Klahn, Samantha Wiggins, Rachel Klahn and Gennaro Esposito; 6 great grandchildren; nieces Franquita, Gabriela and Carla Rota; nephews Luigi, Sandro and Stefano Rota.
Frances was born in Quito, Ecuador on January 29th 1937. She moved to the United States after marriage on March 1st 1958. She raised her family in Penfield, NY , moved to Miami, Florida in 1978 and retired to Ocala, Florida in 1995.
We would like to thank Kindred Hospice for their support, professionalism and their compassion for our mother and our family. We would also like to thank Crissie Trussell of Senior Helpers for her love, support, friendship and direction during mom’s transition.
There will be a remembrance of Frances’ life that will be held privately for family & friends.
I am beyond saddened to hear the news about Frances and the sorrow this tragic loss has bestowed upon the entire Wiggins family. Although I only met Frances once at our wedding, I genuinely felt like I got to know her from all the beautiful stories and memories Angelica would share. Thank you, Frances, for the everlasting footprint you left on my wife (Angelica). She strongly credits you as a critical figure in sculpting her phenomenal character and molding her into the lovely lady she is today. Your life and legacy will live on through people like Angelica and the many others you left a lasting impression on.
Dear Uncle Rod, cousins and rest of the Wiggins clan: Since Saturday I’ve been very saddened and so sorry for your whole family’s loss. I have the fondest memories of the summers with you all, and how special you mom was always with my siblings and me. She is forever in our hearts as the beautiful and luminous woman she always was. May God almighty have her is his eternal Grace!
To my wonderful family, I want to express my deepest sympathies for our loss. It is deeply touching to know that Grandma held on until Grandpa and ALL five of her children were by her side until she moved on to be an angel in heaven. I’d be remiss not to mention that even during a tragedy, Grandma was able to bring the family together.
We all lost someone so integral to our family. I will always treasure the memories with her. She was incredibly present, engaged, and so invested in our lives and future. Grandma inspired me through her deep love for family, her constant thirst to learn, and her ability to give relentlessly.
I know we will all miss Grandma dearly, but I’m thankful to see pieces of her in everyone in our family. Her ability to be so in tune with all of us left a permanent impact that will never be forgotten. Lots of love to you all!
I am deeply saddened with the passing of Fran. My deepest condolences to all the Wiggins and extended family. I have good memories over all the years we’ve shared family celebrations and sorrows. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.