Elvira Ellen Bigelow

Elvira Bigelow, 90, a 85 year Cashmere resident, passed away at home on Saturday night, November 26, 2011. She was born at her family's home in Cashmere on November 9, 1921 to James J. and Maude Elvira (Patterson) Mortimer. She was raised, received her schooling and graduated from Cashmere High School. She was married to William Corbaley Bigelow on June 15, 1940 in his grandfather's back yard garden at Puyallup. They made their first home together in Puyallup. They moved to make Cashmere their permanent home in the mid 1940's where they owned and operated apple and pear orchards. Elvira went to work at Blue Star first as a Fruit Packer and later became a "Floor Lady", in charge of the other Fruit Packers. Following their retirement, they travelled throughout the U.S. as well as trips to Australia, Mexico and the Virgin Islands. She was preceded in death by her husband, William "Bill" Bigelow on February 6, 2004. She has since continued to make her home in Cashmere. She especially enjoyed her family, travelling, crocheting, rock hounding and gardening. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Ellen "Susie" & Ken Ficker, Cashmere; daughter-in-law, Carol Bigelow, Cashmere; seven grandchildren, James Bigelow, Tacoma, Maria Kieninger, Wenatchee, Amy Bigelow, East Wenatchee, Kenneth "Tri" Ficker, Port Townsend, Matthew Ficker, Cashmere, Sean Hartnett, Sunnyslope and Cody Ficker, Cashmere; six great grandchildren, James Thomas Bigelow, Tacoma, Tyler William Kieninger, Wenatchee, Tatum Jane Ficker, Cashmere, Mieka J. Hartnett and Rylan William Hartnett both of Sunnyslope and Noah Wittle, East Wenatchee. She was preceded in death by her husband, William, two sons, James and Carl Bigelow, her sister, Darlene Stephens, one infant granddaughter, Michelle Nicole Hartnett and one infant great granddaughter, Meghan Kieninger. A Commemoration Service will be held at the Cashmere Church of God Faith of Abraham, located at the corner of Pioneer & Evergreen, Cashmere, on Friday, December 2nd at 11:00 a.m. with Elder Ray Corbaley officiating. A concluding service and the interment will follow in Cashmere Cemetery. Friends who wish may make memorial donations in her name to the American Heart Association. You are invited to visit her online tribute at www.HeritageMemorialChapel.Com . Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Elvira Ellen Bigelow

November 9, 1921 - November 26, 2011