Arlene Marie Wiggins (Neptune)

Sipayik – Arlene Marie (Neptune) Wiggins, 56, of Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy Reservation, joined our ancestors on June 26, 2017, at her home after a long illness. Arlene was born on November 11, 1960 in Eastport, the daughter of Joseph Roy Neptune Sr. and Genevieve Ann (Francis) Neptune.

Arlene married her love, Bruce W. Wiggins in 1991. Arlene grew up at Sipayik, working various jobs and achieved her Culinary Arts Degree from WCTC. She also worked for the Pleasant Point Health Center as a Dietician, in the office of Deering Ice Cream in Portland, and was the manager at Sonesta Hotel in Portland. Prior to her illness, Arlene was very athletic and excelled in sports. She was a strong Passamaquoddy woman and proud of her heritage. Arlene loved dancing, especially traditional dancing. When she danced the spirit of our elders flowed from her with power, grace and honor. Her family was her strength and she cherished them unconditionally.

Arlene is survived by her devoted husband, Bruce Wiggins; her parents, Joseph Roy Neptune and Genevieve Neptune; her children whom she loved dearly, Tonya M. Nicholas and her partner John Bulmer of Calais, John G. Nicholas II and his wife April of Pleasant Point, and James L. Nicholas and his wife Camilla of Searsport; grandchildren, Mercedes, Cecelia, Richard II, Michael, Alexis, Alasdair, Chace, Trinity, Adahlia, Naylie, Logan and Isabella; a great-grandchild, Luna; siblings Samuel Neptune Sr. and wife Pamela, Pearl A. Pulk and husband Alfred, Jean M. Stanley and husband Phillip, Susan C. Neptune, and Joseph R. Neptune Jr. and wife Jennifer, all of Pleasant Point; uncles Gene Wayne Francis Sr. and wife Bernadette, Sabatis Neptune and wife Brenda of Pleasant Point; aunts, Betty Lewey and husband Sabattus of Pleasant Point, and Gloria Kelly and husband William of Portsmouth, VA; many nieces, nephews, cousins; and special friends, Beverly Francis, Grace Quinn and Nancy Airola.

She was predeceased by a granddaughter, Alessa J. Nicholas; grandfather, James A. Neptune Sr.; grandmother, Alice C. Francis; uncle, James A. Neptune Jr.; aunt Virginia (Francis) Aymond and cousins Susan (Neptune) Lailer and Abigail Francis.

No longer shall you struggle to breath, your pain is over, and you can begin your journey in peace and comfort.

Native American Prayer
I give you this one thought to keep-
I am with you still – I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight of ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the sweet uplifting rush,
Of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that sine at night
Do not think of me as gone –
I am with you still, in each new dawn.