Claire Ann (Ham) Wiggins of Niles, Michigan – beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, and Friend to many – was called home by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, January 1, 2026, after a long, courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 64 years, Tom; her children Greg (Lissette) Wiggins, Jim (Andrea) Wiggins, and Sarah (Derek) Hempel; and her eight grandchildren: Cody, Patrick, Landon, Logan, Liam, Tyler, Lincoln, and Samantha. Also surviving are her brothers Charles Ham and Richard (Patricia) Ham; her sisters-in-law Judy (Fred) Felty and Sandra Wiggins; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Claire was preceded in death by her parents Eugene and Margaret Ham; her brothers John (Sally) McConnell and Albert “Lanny” Ham; her brother-in-law Jerry Wiggins; her nieces Kathy (McConnell) Landen, Kelly (McConnell) Cowsert, and Karen McConnell; and her nephew Mark Ham.
Claire’s journey of life began on May 6, 1943, and was marked by her unwavering faith, gentleness, and loving touch on all who were fortunate enough to have known her. Her deep love for the Lord was the foundation of her character and her sweet, kind spirit. She had a way of bringing joy to anyone she encountered with her beautiful smile and friendly, outgoing nature. Her 82-year journey on earth will leave a legacy of family, faith, and friendship.
A visitation will be held at Brown Funeral Home in Niles, Michigan on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 11:00am at Summit Church, 1700 West River Road, Niles, Michigan, with Pastor Dan Miller officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
Memorial contributions in Claire’s name may be made to The Center for Hospice Care, the Ernestine Raclin Hospice House, or to Summit Church.
The family would like to thank the wonderful care provided by Dr. Bilal Ansari, Beth Mondschein, NP, Dr. Zenas Chang, and the loving providers at The Center for Hospice Care and Ernestine Raclin Hospice House in Mishawaka, Indiana.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home.
Photos, condolences, and memories may be shared with Claire’s family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com
Posted On: Tuesday, January 6, 2026 4:01 PM
