Wiggins Helen Grace

Wiggins Helen Grace
October 07, 1902 - May 24, 2004
North English, IA
Helen Grace Wiggins was born on October 7, 1902, west of North English, IA, a daughter of John Earl and Isabelle Jane Gilchrist Wiggins. When she was a year old she became a victim of Polio which left her crippled. She went through life not thinking she was handicapped. She attended Grant Country School and graduated from North English High School in 1920. Helen took Normal Training courses in high school and received her teachers certificate. She started her teaching career in 1921. She taught 10 years at Porter School in Keokuk County, 12 years at Gritter School in Iowa County, and 4 more years at other schools. Helen also worked a few summers while teaching at the English Valleys Creamery in North English. She later took a full time office position and worked there 22 years. She retired in 1969. Helen was a member of the North English Christian Church where she taught Sunday School classes and helped with Vacation Bible School for many years. She was also a life-time member of the Order Of The Eastern Star and served on committees and held many offices. Helen put forth an effort to succeed in whatever she attempted, felt she had lived a good life and followed the motto "Life is what we make of it, it always has been, it always will be." Helen became a resident of the English Valley Care Center in North English in May 2001. She died there on Monday, May 24, 2004 following a short illness. She lived 101 years, 7 months and 17 days. She is survived by 4 nieces: Shirley Tucker, Helen Marie Davis, Pam Fox & Frances Christian; and 3 nephews: Lynn Kolosik, Stanley Kolosik & Vance Kolosik. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Mildred Kolosik and Gladys Lockridge, a niece Merna Britten and a nephew Lyle Kolosik. Celebration of Life services will be held at the Powell Funeral Home in North English at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 with Pastor Don Ridenour officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home in North English on Tuesday, May 25th from 5 PM until 8 PM. An Order of the Eastern Star service may be held at 7:30 PM Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the North English Cemetery. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com under obituaries.