Sue Wiggin

With tears in our eyes we announce the passing of our sweet angel Sue Wiggin, stolen too soon by an aggressive cancer at the age of 61. Sue raised two outstanding young men, and was absolutely devoted to them and to her family. She was immensely proud of her sons, and loved relaying funny, loving memories about them. She also forged strong bonds with their good friends, and took a genuine and lasting interest in them. For more than 40 years, she provided immeasurable joy and inspiration to her husband, and contributed substantially to his personal growth, and to his professional and business lives. She had deep unbreakable relationships with many friends.

She obtained a Masters degree in Social Work in 1987 and strengthened her expertise through many training programs during the course of a lengthy career. She was admired and respected for her professional counselling work, through which she helped many people overcome obstacles to personal health and well-being, in particular women suffering from postpartum anxiety and depression, and women impacted by childhood trauma. She had a notable soft spot for clients who couldn’t pay.

She was kind, generous, caring, thoughtful, empathetic, insightful, and wise. She also had a wonderful sense of fun, a great sense of humour, and a quick wit. Her smile and laugh were infectious, and she loved to welcome friends and family into her home. She had a positive influence on everyone she met, and was very widely loved. Because she helped and enriched so many people, her beautiful legacy will grow, and it will last forever.

She led an active and engaged life, and loved travelling and experiencing other cultures within and beyond North America. She learned to SCUBA dive in Indonesia at the age of 54 so she could join her sons in an activity they loved. She loved skiing, hiking, cycling, swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, and taking her two beloved furry toddlers Wally and Kramer on long walks. She was a dog whisperer, and loved each of the dogs lucky enough to live with her over the years, and the many other dogs she met along the way.

She leaves behind her loving husband Brian, her sons Graeme and Thomas, Thomas’ wife Waverly, and her siblings and spouses John (Nancy), Doug (Heather), Pam (Bill), and Carol, and their children and grandchildren. She leaves Brian’s mother Brenda, and his siblings and spouses Elizabeth, Michael (Jill), and Maura, and their children and grandchildren. She also leaves many cousins and countless good friends.

She received excellent medical care during her illness, and her family would like to express their appreciation to every health care worker involved in her diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care, all of whom were kind, caring, compassionate, and professional. We are particularly grateful to Sue’s family physician and good friend Dr. Jean Flanagan, staff at KGH, B.C. Cancer Agency, and VJH, the community care team, and the staff and volunteers at Vernon’s Hospice House who kept her comfortable and peaceful in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Sue’s name to the BC Cancer Foundation or the North Okanagan Hospice Society. A celebration of life will be held after the current COVID limitations have been eased. Memories of Sue may be shared at www.pleasantvalleyfh.com.