Today, we are gathered to celebrate and honor the remarkable life of a remarkable woman, Dr. Anne Wigg, who, for over two decades, was a loving partner to my father, an unrelenting educator, a gardener, an author, a lover of knowledge and an explorer in the truest sense.

Born in Wilmington, North Carolina on December 14, 1937, to Josie Lou Jackson Wigg and Samuel Patterson Wigg, Anne was raised on the principles of hard work, determination, and kindness. She carried these principles into her distinguished career in education, where she passionately nurtured the minds of countless students, instilling in them not just knowledge, but curiosity, empathy, and the courage to dream. This dedication to her students and to the betterment of education earned her the title of 'Teacher of the Year' in Connecticut, an award recognized by Senator Joe Lieberman and the Governor of Connecticut, who honored her for her exceptional contributions.

Anne's pursuit of knowledge extended beyond the bounds of our planet. Her intellect, ambition, and pioneering spirit saw her named as a candidate for NASA's First Woman in Space program, pushing the boundaries of what was considered possible and paving the way for future generations of women in science. Anne worked tirelessly to better herself and at a young age earned her Doctorate in Education.

Yet, Anne's accomplishments were not confined to the classroom or the cosmos. Her love for nature and her green thumb led her to become a Master Gardener. Her retirement years were joyfully spent tending to her garden, crafting a living masterpiece filled with beauty and life. This love for nature extended to her home on Table Rock Lake, a home she built and shared with my father. This special place was marked by a full-size lighthouse, a testament to my father's love for Anne and a beacon of their shared life.

Anne was a talented author, with her creativity and love for the unknown culminating in her 2007 science fiction novel, "Filex 13." Through her book, she not only shared her vivid imagination but also demonstrated her commitment to sparking curiosity and a love for learning in all forms.

Despite her numerous achievements, what truly set Anne apart was her generous and loving heart. She had an extraordinary love for children, and her compassion was evident in her every action. She loved toys and teaching and was generous to a fault, constantly giving of herself to enrich the lives of those around her. Anne taught in an underprivileged section of Connecticut with very limited budgets for the classrooms. She didn't think twice about using her own money to buy the supplies needed to best teach her classes, and her kids.

As we say goodbye to Anne, we remember her as a beacon of light, a source of inspiration, and a testament to the power of dedication, compassion, and love. Her legacy will endure in the minds she enlightened, the gardens she cultivated, the stories she wrote, and the love she shared.

Anne, we thank you for the gifts you've given us, for the lessons you've taught, and for the love you've shared. You will be deeply missed, but your light will continue to shine brightly in our hearts and memories. Today and always, we honor you.