Norma Switzer Wigden

Norma Jean Switzer Wigden

 89, of 150 Linden Street, Penn Yan, died Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024.

Mrs. Wigden was born on Apr. 6, 1934, in Lodi, NY to Richard Switzer and Helen Beardslee Switzer. When Norma was 2 weeks old, her mother died. 

 In 1936, Richard Switzer married Rosalind (Peggy) Humiston. Norma lived with her paternal grandparents, Melvin and Frances Eveland Switzer from the ages of 7-18. She graduated from Penn Yan Academy, class of 1952. 

She married David S. Wigden on Nov. 1, 1952. David died June 10, 1977, after 25 years of marriage. It was 25 years dedicated to ministry for the Lord. 

Norma worked at Keuka Dry Cleaners, substituted in the Penn Yan School District and then the Penn Yan Public Library. She was a library clerk from 1976 till her retirement in 2003. 

By the grace and mercy of God, at a young age, Norma became a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. It was her desire that everyone come to know the love of God that is shown in Christ’s death on the cross. For more than 40 years she led a Bible study for women in her home, and for young women at the local jail. 

Norma learned to play the piano at an early age. She loved playing the piano and organ for her church, and in local nursing homes such as The Manor, The Homestead, and Clinton Crest. 

Norma was preceded in death by her husband, David (1977), her oldest son, Bob in 2014, and her second son, Larry, in 2018. And her brothers, Edward Switzer, 2011, Sam, 2014, and Carl, 2018. 

She is survived by her brothers Glenn and Lyman and by 5 children: Connie (Kenny) Foster of Dover, DE, David (Terri) Wigden of Penn Yan, NY, Karen (Eugen) Baer, Switzerland, Garry (Candace) Wigden of New Providence, PA, and Dale Wigden-Wright, of Indianapolis, IN. Also 18 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.       

There will be visitation at Weldon Funeral Home, 102 E. Main St. in Penn Yan on Friday, Feb. 16 from 11am-1pm followed by a private committal and burial at Lakeview Cemetery. 

On Saturday, Apr. 6^th at 11:00am there will be a celebration of life at Italy Valley Baptist Church, 6302 Italy Valley Rd, Naples, NY. All friends and family are invited to join in the celebration. 

 Memorial donations may be made to Keuka Comfort Care Home, PO Box 107, Penn Yan, NY 14527.