Obituaries : Shirley Mae (Aldeman) Wiggins

Shirley Mae (Aldeman) Wiggins, 90, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022, at The Silver Oak Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Marion.

Funeral Services: 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 12, 2022 at Teahen Funeral Home, 3100 F Avenue NW, in Cedar Rapids. Burial: Evergreen Cemetery, Vinton. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday at the funeral home from 1 to 4 p.m. and again on Monday after 9:30 a.m.

Shirley was born on September 8, 1932, in Vinton, to Ardell Perry Adelman and Hattie Mae Edler. She was united in marriage to Lloyd Joseph Hilleshiem Sr in 1950 in Oelwein. Shirley gave birth to her only son who brought her much pride and joy, Lloyd Joseph Hilleshiem Jr. in 1951 and he preceded her in death in March 2014. Shirley married Harry Wiggins in 1964 and he preceded her in death May 1986.

Shirley lived most of her adult life in Cedar Rapids. She enjoyed performing and entertaining for many years singing and playing her accordion at various venues and volunteering her musical talents in Cedar Rapids nursing homes.

In Kim Walford's words, the Iowa Independent Living Program Administrator,

"Shirley's unwavering commitment and absolute outstanding contributions to ILAC and IDBA to meet goals will forever be remembered through her spirit and will shine on. Shirley lived a long and productive life advocating for the Blind community through career and volunteered services. Shirley has been involved in organizations of the blind since 1959. She has served on the Iowa Council of the United Blind (ICUB) Board of Directors over the years and she was President of the Cedar Rapids Chapter of ICUB for many years. She chaired the Linn County Support Group for many years; many blind people knew her across the state. She would host chapter picnics in the summer and Christmas get-togethers for ICUB members for many, many years. She served on the Independent Living Advisory Committee for many, many years for the Iowa Department for the Blind. She was always willing to help others. Shirley co-hosted the State ICUB Memorial Service at ICUB Conventions each year for many years. She has received various awards for her participation and service over the years."

Shirley is survived by her brother Robert Cross; sister Serena Crowe; daughter in law Debra Hilleshiem all of Cedar Rapids; her beloved granddaughters Tammy Jo Hilleshiem of Navarre FL and Jennifer Amanda Hilleshiem of Hiawatha ; her very special great granddaughter Amia Montgomery who was the light of her life; many special nieces, nephews, and great, great-great, nieces and nephews. Shirley had many close and treasured friendships throughout the years.

"Shirley would like to let you know that her work here is done. She received a call, a sort of an offer you can't refuse, for an appointment from which she will not be returning. This assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus, a reunion with family and friends she has not seen in a long time. Her new mission takes her to a wonderful place where she will be socializing, dancing, and reading to her heart's content. Music, laughter and love are guaranteed. Food is delicious and you never gain an ounce. She left detailed instructions for her family and friends to celebrate her mission here, which has now been completed."

Shirley's family would like to thank the staff at Silver Oaks Nursing Home for the wonderful and compassionate care that was given to her during the last four years.

Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.teahenfuneralhome.com