Maureen A. Wigandt

Maureen A. (Baker) Wigandt, wife of Edward F. Wigandt of forty -four years and mother of seven entered into rest Thursday, September 18th, at the age of 62. She never gave up hope and the incredible will to live during her five year courageous battle with Scleroderma and Pulmonary Hypertension. She grew up in East Boston and raised her family in Stoneham.

Maureen was described by all who knew her as the "definition of mother." She loved, cherished, educated and nurtured each one of her children to grow into healthy, productive adults and always encouraged each one to seek independence, travel and enjoy all that life has to offer. She was not only a mother, but a best friend. She enjoyed yard sales and road trips throughout historic New England. She loved a strong cup of coffee at Starbucks and had, as she described, "epicurean taste buds." She would take delight in attending all kinds of cultural events and trying new foods. She loved fine dining at hotels as well as good, rustic "peasant" food. She loved her curio cabinets and her collection of dolls from her children's travels. She would often clip beautiful poems and articles of interest from the newspaper and enjoyed gathering recipes. She loved her garden that her husband planted and particularly admired her Cosmos and Beach Roses that were in beautiful bloom all summer. Because of her love of children, Maureen enjoyed working as a crossing guard in the town of Stoneham. She was an avid dog lover and bred poodles and bull mastiffs.

Maureen is survived by her husband, Edward F. of Stoneham, an MBTA driver, and her children, Tracy Graziano, a manager at the Reading Registry and her husband John V. of Stoneham, Robin E. Wigandt Dure of Newbury, a Post Office employee, Douglas E. of Norwood, an inspector for the MBTA, Kristen T., an attorney, Patricia J., a Special Education teacher, Kerry S., a Registry employee and artist and Dennis M.E., a pharmacy student, all of Stoneham. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Emily J. and James E. Dure of Newbury and Christine M., Stephen D and Meghan E. Wigandt of Norwood.

Most of all, Maureen just enjoyed being with her husband and children and chatting with family and friends. A friend once wrote to her in a card that " everyone should have a Maureen in her life." Maureen was a hero and inspiration to all who knew her and will be tremendously missed.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday in St. Patrick's Church 71 Central Street Stoneham at 10am. Interment Lindenwood Cemetery, Stoneham.