Rose M. Wiggins

Rose Marie Cicotte Wiggins

September 7, 1937 – December 31, 2024

Rose Marie Cicotte Wiggins, 87, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Rose was born on September 7, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, to James and Lois Cicotte. She was the older sister of Ira, Ron, Lois, Phyllis, Kate, George, and Jan, and was predeceased by her sisters Carol and Lee and her brother Jim.

Rose spent most of her life in the state she loved, proudly embracing her identity as a Michigander. A lover of nature and Michigan winters, she could often be seen gardening in the rain or shoveling snow without a coat, a living example of her resilient, independent spirit. She approached life with tremendous optimism and found joy in simple pleasures.

In 1957, Rose married Claude Moore Wiggins, and together they shared 54 years of marriage before Claude’s passing in 2011. She is survived by her children Claude (Lynn), Margaret (Ron), Stephen, and Andrew (Paula). She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren Kristina, Emilie Rose, Benjamin, Trey, Joshua, and Sophia Rose, as well as her great-grandchildren Ashlynn, Ian, Lucas, Oliver, Jordan, Eleanora, Evie, and Lewis.

Rose was deeply devoted to her church families at First Baptist Church of Farmington, Michigan, and Inter-City Baptist Church in Allen Park, Michigan. Throughout her life, Rose found fulfillment in supporting and inspiring others, especially children and people facing significant challenges in life. She volunteered as a children’s storyteller at her local library, started a Shepherd's Class for developmentally disabled adults at her church, taught in the four-year-old Sunday school class for many years, and volunteered at Freedom House in Detroit, supporting refugees and people seeking asylum. She also spent countless hours rocking babies in the church nursery over the years.

Rose’s unconditional regard for people, regardless of their backgrounds or the obstacles they faced, made her a source of strength and encouragement to many. She rarely let hardships or challenges defeat her, and her ability to persevere through difficult times was an inspiration to others. Her bright smile and infectious laugh were reflections of her joyful spirit and kind heart, making those around her feel welcomed and loved.

In her later years, after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Rose moved to Massachusetts to be near her oldest son Claude and his family, where she was surrounded by love and care for six years.

Rose’s strength, grace and enduring love for her family and community will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 10 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Martensen Funeral Home in Allen Park, Michigan. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 11 at 10:00 a.m. at the same location. Interment will follow at Parkview Memorial Cemetery in Livonia, Michigan.

NOTE: In lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Rose Wiggins. https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate