Barbara F Assing Wiggan

Barbara F. Assing Wiggan, aka “the Barbie Doll” was born March 6, 1941 in Brooklyn, NY to Florence Williams Skinner and Edwin Skinner. Barbara was the first of their children, the big sister to Andrea “Bunky” Skinner. Growing up she and Bunky were very close. Barbara attended Holy Rosary Elementary School where she had many academic accomplishments. One of them was public speaking, where she won first place in an Oratorical Contest. She then attended Bishop McDonald High School and then a college in Pennsylvania for a short time. In 1963, Barbara met Oliver Assing. They both fell in love and married. From this union was the birth of their daughter Sikkim M. Assing. Barbara called Sikkim “my China Doll.” Barbara was a strong woman who raised her daughter on her own. During her early work years, Barbara made her mark in her career. Working with children with emotional disabilities at a Jewish child care agency called Childville. She loved those children and they loved her as their own. She continued her career working with young adults and adults with disabilities at the Children’s Harbor and Boerum Hill in Brooklyn. Barbara then made a career move to Queens General Hospital, where she taught art therapy for inpatients and ran a program for children during the summer months. Later on she worked at Interfaith Hospital Drug and Alcohol counseling for the remainder of her career. In 1981 Barbara wanted to continue her education. In 1985 she graduated from Fordham University with a BA in Art History. Barbara rekindled with her true love Ronald Wiggan in 1989. They had been colleagues and sweethearts for many years. On May 19, 1995, Barbara and Ronald tied the knot. On October 26, 1998 Barbara welcomed her first and only grandson, Simeon K. Assing, who was her heart and soul. She was his “Nanu.” School holidays and summer months were devoted to her heart and soul, Simeon. Every summer was filled with fun and outings with his Nanu and Popa. Barbara had another addition to her life, it was her pup, “Peetie.” Her Boston Terrier was her everything. He kept her well-exercised with all his energy. During Barbara’s retirement she loved her collections and her antiques. Over the years she kept them well organized. Her vast collections include 200 Barbie dolls, silver spoons and thimbles from all over the world, wooden signs, needlepoint pillows, exotic masks, and art books. Barbara also had a generous heart. She contributed to various organizations and charities. Over the years, Barbara’s life was rich with love, full of family and friends. Her loves Simeon, Sikkim, Ronald and Peetie. They love her, but God loves her best. On February 18, 2024 our beloved Barbara “the Barbiedoll” stepped out of time into eternity. She leaves to celebrate her cherished memory her husband, Ronald Wiggan, daughter, Sikkim M. Assing, grandson, Simeon K. Assing, great-grandson Prince Tien Cooper-Assing, aunt Joyce A. Edwards, goddaughter Adina Chase, and beloved pup Peetie. She also leaves a host of cousins,extended family, and friends near and far.

Goodbyes are not forever,

Goodbyes are not the end,

It simply means I’ll miss you,

Until we meet again.

A visitation for Barbara will be held Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 635 E. Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, followed by a memorial service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.