BIGGINS, Lena Mary (Lee)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Friday, January 01, 2016 Lena Mary Biggins, 96 of Greeley, passed away Dec. 28, 2015 at Bonell Good Samaritan of Greeley. She was born March 24, 1919 in Galt, Ontario, Canada to John Frank and Lizzie Gertrude (Penfold) Girling. She married Paul A. Biggins on Oct. 3, 1941 in Detroit, Michigan. Paul passed away Sept. 13, 1980. Lena, also known as Lee, has been a Greeley resident since 1999. She attended elementary schools and high school in Ontario and Michigan. She spent two years at Nyack Bible College in Nyack, New York, where she met her husband. Lee earned her B.A. from San Jose State College in California. She was a member of Kappa Delta Pi at San Jose State and graduated with Distinction. Lee became an elementary school teacher in California. She was a member of the California Teachers Association and the National Education Association. Music was a big part of Lee's life; she excelled in playing the piano and autoharp and directed Christmas programs. She enjoyed gardening, travel, piano, and singing in trios and quartets. She traveled extensively with her husband including a trip around the world in 1953-1954. Lee has lived in 12 states including Alaska, where her husband taught music. Volunteerism was also a focus of Lee's life. She assisted at two V.A. Hospitals, helped at Meals on Wheels, played the piano at churches, tended church gardens and performed several functions at Good Samaritan Living Centers. Lee attended services at First Presbyterian Church (now Cornerstone Community Church) while she was living at Bonell. Lee is survived by her son Dean (Denise) Biggins; and grandchildren Jason and Laura Biggins; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Paul; her parents; her sisters Olive Tugwell and Isabel Hodges; and her brother John "Jack" Girling. Lee was a dedicated mother and wife. The somewhat adventuresome exploits of her husband and son doubtless made her apprehensive at times, but she remained supportive of those activities. Her sense of moral purpose, dedication and tenacity were underscored by her daily visits to her husband during his 7-year illness that preceded his death. Her faith in God remained equally resolute. Services will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016, at Cornerstone Community Church in Greeley, Colorado. Memorial contributions may be made to Cornerstone Community Church, Bonell Community, Young Life or a charity of your choice in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 702 13th St., Greeley, CO 80631. Friends may view the online obituary and send condolences at www.allnutt.com. Information provided by survivors.