Erminia Wiggs

Erminia “Minnie” Wiggs

April 1st, 1926 - May 6th, 2023


On Saturday, May 6th, Erminia Wiggs, 97, left her earthly loved ones and joined her heavenly family.  As a kind and devoted mother, she navigated life with a strong Catholic faith, a tremendous sense of purpose, and a life that was well lived.

Erminia was born on April 1, 1926, in Comino, Italy to Guiseppe and Paola and is the youngest of two children.  The hardships of growing up in Europe during WWII and surviving numerous bombardments, served to make her a strong, resilient, woman with a deep-seated love of family, a strong faith in God, and a deep devotion to our Blessed Mother.  Erminia was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church in Amarillo, Texas.  Erminia eventually traveled from Italy through the port city of Trieste with her family and moved to Africa where she worked as a dress tailor. At the young age of 19, she immigrated to America, boarding a ship alone to pursue her dreams of a better life. This journey took her through Africa, the Suez Canal, Alexandria, Egypt, and Casablanca.  Standing on the deck of her ship, she had vivid memories of seeing the Statue of Liberty for the first time and the pride she felt in her adopted country.  Her first steps on American soil would take her though Ellis Island where she was 1 of 12 million immigrants processed there looking to attain the American dream and a journey towards US citizenship.

Erminia began her new life in Texas after marrying Jack, Sr. and eventually moved to Borger.  She was extremely smart and mastered the English language on her own by talking with family and friends and listening to the radio.  She had a strong allegiance to the United States and at the same time, never forgot her beloved Italy.  She is a mother of 10 children, Paulene, Gerald, Mara, Theresa, Joan, Elizabeth, Catherine, Rosemary, Jack Jr., and Diana all of whom she is fiercely proud.

Erminia was the matriarch of her family and was a strong example of love, perseverance, and faith. Her journey will continue through her children, 18 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, 1 niece, 2 great-nieces, 1 great-great niece, and 1 great-great nephew.

The family will have a private graveside service to honor her.