Pauline LaVada Wigger

Pauline LaVada Wigger, of Bakersfield, California, formerly of Farmington, entered eternal rest on October 29, 2025, at the Longevity Senior Living in Granite City, Illinois, at the age of 95.

She was born on December 30, 1929, in Farmington, Missouri, to the late Andrew and Mary Anna (Tomaczek) Benko.

Pauline is survived by her son, James Wigger; her grandsons, Joshua Wigger and Aidan Wigger; her great-grandson, Raja Wigger; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to her parents, Pauline was preceded in death by her brother, Stefan Benko; her sister, Mary Benko Eaves; her twin grandsons, Adrian and Jason Wigger; and her niece, Bonnie Eaves McGee.

Pauline’s 50-year career was spent as a telephone operator with Bell Telephone and AT&T. She was a faithful member of Northeast Christian Church in Bakersfield, CA, and read her Bible religiously every day.

She enjoyed working in her yard and took great pride in keeping her neighborhood beautiful sweeping the curbs, returning neighbors’ trash cans, and keeping a watchful eye on her surroundings. Pauline loved playing her beloved piano and began each day with long walks through her neighborhood, greeting everyone she met. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. Cozean Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at Chestnut Ridge Cemetery. Share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com. The family would like to thank the staff at Longevity Senior Living and Hospice of Southern Illinois for their wonderful compassionate care of Pauline.