Mary Ellen Wigger

Mary Ellen Wigger, 74, passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 7, 2024. Born in the Bronx on May 15, 1950, to Margaret and Erich Hoffmann, Mary moved to Long Island as a young girl with her parents and sisters, Teddy and Peggy, where she grew up on Woodhaven Avenue in Sound Beach. Their home at the top of the hill is where Mary’s fondest childhood and adolescent memories are held. She attended Earl L. Vandermeulen High School in Port Jefferson and graduated in 1968.

In 1970, Mary married her high school sweetheart, Peter Wigger, and together they raised two wonderful children, Christine and Eric. Her life was deeply enriched by her granddaughters, Zoe and Peyton, and her great-granddaughter, Harper.

Mary enjoyed a long career at Brookhaven National Laboratory, where she worked for over two decades. In 1996, she embarked on an adventure, traveling the country by RV for six months before settling in San Diego, where Mary felt she had found paradise. She reconnected with extended family there, and her cousin Jim O’Brien and his wife CC became two of her best friends and anchors in her life. She continued her professional life as an executive office manager at BD Pharmaceuticals, retiring in 2012 after more than 15 years of dedicated service.

In her later years, Mary developed a new love for going to the gym, finding strength and joy in staying active. She maintained a truly special bond with her personal trainer-turned-friend, Rocky, who really helped and motivated her to be the best version of herself that she could be. She also rekindled her passion for travel, exploring new places with her niece, Carlene, and embracing the excitement of adventure. These experiences brought her happiness and a sense of fulfillment in her retirement.

Mary had a deep and unwavering love for her family. She cherished her children and grandchildren, but her heart also extended with great love to her many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Her family was the core of her happiness, and she always found joy in connecting with them every chance that she got.

In May of 2023, Mary returned to Long Island with her beloved dog, Bear, to live with her son Eric and daughter-in-law Wendy. She spent her final months surrounded by love and the comforts of family.

Mary’s kindness, generosity, and love for life will be remembered by all who knew her. Her memory lives on in the hearts of her family and friends.

Memorial Visitation- Wednesday November 13, 2024 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at our West Sayville Funeral Home, 245 Main St.

Chapel Service- Wednesday November 13, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at our West Sayville Funeral Home, 245 Main St.

Cremation Private