Mary Wigginton, nee Samoska, 71, of Belleville, IL, born Monday, November 28, 1949 in East Saint Louis, IL, passed away Friday, January 8, 2021, at her residence.
Mary was a retired paralegal for Kolker Law Firm. She was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Belleville, IL.
Many folks will remember Mary as a devout Catholic and avid Cardinals fan. She was a fixture on West Main Street, where she could either be found walking (and listening to the Cardinals game) or attending service at Blessed Sacrament.
She was involved in her community with Junior Service Club, Althoff Mother’s Club, Blessed Sacrament PTO, and much more.
More importantly, though, at the core of Mary’s being was Family. She was a dedicated Matriarch, who was at the heart of communication between her 4 siblings, 3 children, and 12 nieces and nephews. As the clan grew with spouses and children, Mary’s Thanksgiving dinner often topped 50 people. Thanksgiving preparations included weeks of balancing cooking, cleaning and work at Kolker Law firm- which Mary executed flawlessly.
Over the past few years, Mary’s family grew to include a small village of caretakers to whom her family will be eternally grateful. We’ll always appreciate Family Hospice, our Caregiver Alberta, Gizzie, and all the friends who tirelessly supported her through this journey. The unconditional love, meals, and primping while watching Hallmark movies and soap operas added warmth and dignity to her final days.
She was preceded in death by her:
- Parents: George and Anne, nee Homza, Samoska
Surviving are her:
- Husband: Roger C. Wigginton of Belleville, IL
- Children
- Christopher (Marlene) Wigginton of Troy, IL
- Beth (Nick) Gladson of Belleville, IL
- Angie (Paul) Lyngso of Chicago, IL
- Brothers
- George (Kathleen) Samoska of St. Louis, MO
- Dennis (Karen) Samoska of Houston, TX
- Sisters
- Carol (Arnold) Henke of Worden, IL
- Dianne (Alan) Throm of Troy, IL
- Sister-in-law: Laura (Ed) Simunich of Belleville, IL
- Seven Grandchildren
- Gabe Wigginton
- Jake Wigginton
- Daniel Wigginton
- Gavin Gladson
- Chase Gladson
- Lars Lyngso
- Leif Lyngso
- Loving nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews
Memorials: Memorials may be made to Family Hospice, Blessed Sacrament School, or Althoff Catholic High School.
Visitation: Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sunday, February 14, 2021 at Kurrus Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Covid restrictions will be followed, masks required, and social distancing.
Please be respectful of time and do not linger so others may pay their respects to the family.
Services: Due to Covid restrictions, a memorial mass and celebration of life will be held at a later date.
18 Comments To "Mary Wigginton"
#1 Comment By Mary J Belz On January 12, 2021 @ 7:00 am
Roger and Family,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your wife and mother. Unfortunately, I never had the chance to meet her. She was such a beautiful woman. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
#2 Comment By Jay Johnston On January 12, 2021 @ 8:37 am
Roger,
Laurie and I are very sad to hear of Mary’s passing. She was a wonderful lady and a great neighbor. We have fond memories of our time on “Main St”, watching our children grow up. Tell the kids we’re sorry for their loss.
Sincerely,
Laurie & Jay
#3 Comment By Cathy Godfrey DeMay On January 12, 2021 @ 10:11 am
Roger and family, hugs and prayers winging your way, Cathy Godfrey DeMay
#4 Comment By Maggie Kealey Ludwig On January 12, 2021 @ 11:26 am
Roger, I am so very sorry. She was too young to leave us. God will soften your pain in time. God bless you and your family.
#5 Comment By Betty and Paul Browning On January 12, 2021 @ 3:13 pm
Roger and Family,
Losing a loved one, no matter how ill, is still difficult. You all showed such strength and devotion while Mary was fighting so much, and I’m sure she passed that strength on to you. May each day be easier and only fond memories remain.
Thinking of you,
Betty and Paul
#6 Comment By Carolyn (Weissert) Wottowa On January 12, 2021 @ 4:36 pm
Roger & family, So sorry to hear of Mary’s death. She has had rough journey. I know there will be a big void in your lives. Just wanted you to know I am thinking of you and keeping you all in prayers.
#7 Comment By Janet Loeffler On January 13, 2021 @ 6:59 pm
Roger
We will be thinking of you and praying for you. She was a wonderful lady.
Janet and Ron Loeffler
#8 Comment By Joan Miller On January 13, 2021 @ 8:01 pm
Roger
My sympathay at this time. May GOD grant you pease in time.
Joan Miller
#9 Comment By Don & Carmen Rigney On January 14, 2021 @ 8:42 am
Roger
So very sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. She was a wonderful person. She will be in our prayers.
Stay strong.
Carmen & Don
#10 Comment By DEBRA Pierce On January 14, 2021 @ 11:40 am
Roger,
I remember Mary well.. She was a great person always smiling..
Prayers for you and your family..
Debra Pierce
#11 Comment By Peggy Coughlin Pride On January 14, 2021 @ 11:58 am
So sorry for your loss. Mary was well loved and remembered by her STA classmates. Peace to you
#12 Comment By Kathy Kane Vallina On January 15, 2021 @ 12:45 am
So sorry to hear about Mary. She’s at peace now and no longer has to suffer. She was a year ahead of me at St. Martins. I went to school with her sister, Carol Samoska Henke. Both ladies are so sweet. Please accept my deepest sympathy for her husband, children, grandchildren and siblings at this difficult time.
#13 Comment By Sharon S Strausbaugh On January 15, 2021 @ 8:20 am
Roger,
We are so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. May God’s peace and love surround you, and may the love of family and friends lift you up at this time and in the days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Jim & Sharon Strausbaugh
#14 Comment By Jeanette miles On February 19, 2021 @ 9:44 am
Please except my sincere condolences and prayers for passing of your wife
Peace be with you.
#15 Comment By Jeannette, Ken & Doris Barks On January 16, 2021 @ 7:35 am
Our deepest sympathies go out to the Wigginton & Samoska families for their loss. Mary will be missed by all that knew her.
#16 Comment By Jeannette, Ken & Doris Barks On January 16, 2021 @ 8:42 am
Our deepest sympathies to the Wigginton & Samoska families. Mary will be missed by all that knew her. My God bless your families at this time.
#17 Comment By Henke On January 30, 2021 @ 12:57 pm
Aunt Mary
Thank you for all the wonderful memories and fun times. We will treasure them always. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
Love,
Lisa, Andi, Jeff, Greg and Carrie
#18 Comment By Cassie OHeron On February 12, 2021 @ 1:25 pm
So sorry for your loss Chris (Wigginton). Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
-Cassie