Gwendolyn "Gwen" Mae Bigler
Gwen enjoyed crocheting, playing bingo, word searches, and gardening.
A celebration of Gwen’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025 at Salem UCC, 324 Walnut St, Columbia, PA 17512. The family will receive friends for visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. until service time.
Burial will follow at Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens.
Gwendolyn “Gwen” Mae Bigler, 85, of Columbia went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 5, 2025. She was born in Columbia to the late Edward and Blanche Barnes and was a lifelong resident of Columbia.
Gwen was a graduate of Columbia High School with the Class of 1958 and worked several part time jobs all within Columbia and most recently as a bow string maker. She was a skilled seamstress who made clothing and Halloween costumes for her family. Gwen enjoyed crocheting, playing bingo, word searches, and gardening. She was a lifelong and active member of Salem United Church of Christ where she served in many roles including a Sunday school teacher, youth fellowship advisor, altar guild member, and more. She was also the set and costume designer for events like pageants and vacation bible school. Gwen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt who adored her family and treasured spending time with them.
Gwen leaves behind her three daughters, Julie Bigler of Columbia, Hilary, wife of Kyle Smith of Landisville, Gail, wife of Matt Killian of Columbia; four grandchildren, Matthew, Jillian, Chloe, Mia; two sisters, Kay Rigel of York, Cheryl Barnes of Columbia; numerous nieces and nephews and a large extended family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of forty-five years, James W. Bigler in 2007 and four siblings.
A celebration of Gwen’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025 at Salem UCC, 324 Walnut St, Columbia, PA 17512. The family will receive friends for visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. until service time. Burial will follow at Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601.
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