Laura Viken Wiik

Laura Wiik passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 28 in Raleigh NC after complications from a short illness and a long journey with Alzheimer's. She was surrounded by her husband of 58 years, Erik, and her children Siri Wiik of Raleigh NC, Jens Wiik of St Albans WV, and Greta Edwards also of Raleigh and two grandchildren Kirsten Wiik and Lauren Edwards.

After marrying Erik Wiik, of Oslo, Norway in 1959, Laura raised her children while furthering her education and career in Art. Laura became a well-established and respected artist who had the opportunity to exhibit her work throughout the US and in her home country of Norway. She was professionally trained, earning two masters degrees from WV State College and from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. She also taught Art History at Marshall in the 1980s. She owned and operated her own art studio, "Studio 602" in South Charleston WV where she used the space to create and to encourage aspiring artists to use the wall space to display their work.

Prior to relocating to Raleigh in 2008, she was very active with various artist endeavors to include: Penn Women “Women in Art initiative”, Allied Artists Guild, Tamarack in Beckley, WV and a variety of local artist organizations across the state. In West Virginia, she volunteered at the annual Mound Festival in South Charleston for many years. She served on several local boards, volunteering in many cultural and international events.

Laura is remembered not only for her professional work but for her incredible sense of humor, youthful sense of style, love for animals and her kind spirit.

In lieu of flowers, we know that Laura would appreciate support of your local artists. Contributions to Alzheimer's research can be made in her honor to www.alz.org or to the greyhound rescue at www.greyrescue.com

The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.

The family would like to thank the staff at Rex Hospital in Raleigh NC for their excellent care and compassion.

Arrangements under the direction of Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC. Condolences may be made through brownwynne.com