Frances Wiggin

Frances Wiggin, “Fran”, 94, of Manchester, NH, formerly of Bedford, NH, died Monday January 22, 2024 at RiverWoods, Manchester after a period of declining health.

She was born April 8, 1929, in Nashua, NH to Ralph Irving Miltimore and Marjorie (Deaks) Miltimore.

Fran graduated from Manchester High School West in 1947. She is a graduate of Hesser Business College. Fran had a long and distinguished career as a librarian. Fran is best remembered as the Director of the Bedford Public Library. She retired in 2001 after 53 years with the library. The current library building is the result of her vision and determination. She served on numerous statewide boards, councils, and organizations. She was a life member of the New Hampshire Library Association and served two years as president and was membership chair for 20 years.

Fran was very proud of her family. She attended as many graduations and school events as she could. When her sons were younger there was always a summer road trip to some part of the country, often to visit with her sister’s family.

Fran was very civically engaged. She was active in numerous town clubs and organizations including the Garden Club, Mothers Club and Unity Club. Fran was particularly proud to be a Rotarian and would attend meetings even when she was vacationing away from Bedford. She was very involved in the Bedford Presbyterian church. At the time of her death, she was the oldest member of the Church. She was an Elder and Trustee, and for many years served as Sunday School Superintendent.

Fran was an avid Bridge player. She was an intrepid traveler, visiting much of the United States as well as making numerous trips to Europe. Her world atlas was always nearby. Fran enjoyed gardening, cooking, and it goes without saying, reading.

Fran is survived by her two sons, Kendall French Wiggin and his wife Patricia of Windsor Locks, CT, Jonathan Minot Wiggin and his wife Susan of Dunbarton; 5 granddaughters, Sara Young (James) of Weston, VT, Lindsey Wiggin (Thomas Hart), Concord, Tess Wiggin (Zach Schofield) of Manchester, Kristen Herr (Chris) of Concord, and Kathleen Kilmister (Tobin), Chichester. She also leaves three step-grandsons, Brendan Copes of Boston MA, Jordan Copes of Enfield, CT, and Daniel Copes of Manchester, CT; 6 great grandchildren, her sisters-in-law, JoAnn Miltimore and Connie Wiggin, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Ralph M. Wiggin; her sister, Marjorie Covill; her brother, Ralph Miltimore; and her grandson, Douglas Wiggin.

The family would like to thank the staff at River Woods Manchester and Brookhaven Hospice for the loving care they provided.

ARRANGEMENTS: A Memorial Service will be held March 9th at 1:00 pm at the Bedford Presbyterian Church, 4 Church Road Bedford, NH. Burial will be in the Spring at the Bedford Center Cemetery. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH, Manchester. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bedford Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 4 Church Road, Bedford, NH 03110, the Bedford Public Library, 3 Meetinghouse Road, Bedford, NH 03110 or a charity of your choice. To view Frances's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.