Exton Senior Living Resident Rita Wiggins Would Have Turned 104 on July 8
EXTON, Pa. – Exton Senior Living paused to remember a cherished member of the senior living community on what would have been Rita Wiggins 104th birthday.
“We honored Rita’s beautiful life,” said Ana DiSilva, LifeStories Director at Exton Senior Living. “She was with us for nearly five years, and in that time, she touched every heart with her kindness, charm, and wit. Rita had a way of making everyone feel seen, often telling caregivers they were beautiful, always with a twinkle in her eye.”
Plans had been made for a joyful celebration marking Rita’s 104th birthday on July 8, with family, fellow residents, and team members set to come together in her honor. Instead, the community reflected quietly this year, remembering the woman who left an indelible mark on so many lives. Rita passed away peacefully on June 12, just shy of the milestone.
“Rita amazed us every day with her sharp mind and incredible sense of humor,” said Leslie Simon, Resident Wellness Director at the senior living community. “She would laugh about her age and say her longevity was thanks to all the hills she climbed walking to school as a child. When she turned 103, we threw a big party. Everyone sang at the top of their lungs, and she just looked around and said, ‘Thank you all for celebrating, but I just can’t believe I am 103 and this party is for me.’”
Now, as Exton Senior Living remembers Rita, it’s not just her age they honor, but the way she lived, and the joy she brought to those around her.
“Her grace, resilience, and warmth will be deeply missed,” said Joleene Kinneman, Community Relations Director. “We are so grateful for the time we had with her and for the memories she leaves behind. She is missed dearly, and although we were not able to ring in Year 104 with her, we still celebrate her life and her contributions to our community by keeping her in our thoughts and memories regularly.”
Born on July 8, 1921, in Salamanca, New York, Rita Wonsiewicz grew up during the Great Depression, the fifth of seven children in a hardworking Polish-American family. Her father was a master baker and her mother worked alongside him in their bakery. She graduated from Salamanca High School in 1939 and went on to earn a degree in education from Buffalo State College in 1943 — an impressive feat for a young woman of her era.
Her early career led her to DuPont in the Buffalo area, where she worked as a lab technician and met future husband, Allan Wiggins Jr. The couple married in 1948 and raised six children through decades of moves, challenges, and new beginnings, including a memorable stint in Puerto Madryn, Argentina, where Allan managed a textile firm and their youngest son, Mark, was born with Down syndrome.
“A brilliant lady with a sharp wit, she was a voracious reader, an incredible baker and talented knitter,” her family noted in Rita’s obituary. “She mastered anything she turned her hand to. But her greatest commitment was to her family. Rita took charge of everything when her husband moved the family to Argentina. She even bought textbooks which she used to teach her children as they sailed to the new continent.”
Though she never sought the spotlight, Rita left a lasting impression. At Exton Senior Living, she was known not only for her sharp mind and strong spirit, but also for the kindness she extended to fellow residents and staff alike.
“Rita had this gentle, steady presence,” said Casey Counseller, Executive Operations Officer at Exton Senior Living. “You felt at ease around her. She lived with dignity and grace, and it was an honor to have her as part of our community.”
She was preceded in death by her husband Allan Wiggins, Jr. and her son Allan Wiggins III. Rita Wiggins is survived by her children: Susanna Jones (Robert), Michael Wiggins (Genevieve), Kristin Estill (Barry), Paul Wiggins (fiancé Kelly Lovy), and Mark Wiggins. She was a proud grandmother to Laura, Molly, and Hannah and four great-grandchildren.
“She taught us to read, to create, to adapt — and to love without condition,” her family shared. “We miss her dearly, but we’re grateful for every lesson and every moment.”
For more information contact Joleene Kinneman, Community Relations Director, Exton Senior Living, at jkinneman@integracare.com or call 610.594.0200.