SHIRLEY REBA WIGGINS McMILLEN, 84, of Ithaca, completed her final journey home on Tuesday, February 17, 2015. She was born on October 19, 1930, in Ira, NY, to the late Claire and Grace Hadcock Wiggins. Shirley was graduated from Cato-Meridian Central School in 1948 and went on to get her LPN and RN license from Auburn School of Nursing, graduating in June 1952. She began working at Tompkins County Hospital in July 1952 and retired in 1988.There were many families blessed to have "Wiggie" help deliver, and care for, their newborns.
Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Brian D. McMillen in 1989, who she married on January 10, 1953 in Cortland, NY. She is survived by their five children, Krista (Ron) Knout, Kathy (Cam) Vorhis, Scott (Valerie) McMillen, Shelley Allen and Garth McMillen; 13 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. She was a sister to Elinor Crowell of Zephyrhills, FL, who survives her and the late Victor Wiggins. Shirley loved to play bingo and was an avid NY Yankees fan. She made her own stats and score sheets. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting. Many family and friends had the pleasure of keeping warm with many of the beautiful afghans she made.
In accordance with Shirley’s wishes, she will be cremated and there will be no funeral service. There will be a celebration of her life at the Dryden VFW/American Legion on Route 13 on Saturday, February 21, from 1:00-3:00 pm for family and close friends. The family would like to send their heartfelt thanks to the many people at Hospice who helped with Shirley’s final journey. Words cannot express how grateful and thankful we are to the most loving and caring people we have ever met. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Hospicare, 172 E. King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 and/or the American Heart Association, 120 Lomond Court, Utica, NY 13502.
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