Cornelia R. Biggar

Cornelia Ruth Biggar, age 59, died May 11, 2013 after a long journey with cancer and a longer journey through an amazing life. She was the loving partner of Jon Roehrdanz, stepmother to Dan Martinson (Lynelle), sister to Hamilton Fisk Biggar iii (Terry) and Jeffrey McCrea Biggar (Margie), sister-in-law to Brian and Karen Roehrdanz, Scott and Renee Roehrdanz, Susan Prewitt and numerous nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased in death by her mother and father, Cornelia W. and Hamilton Fisk Biggar, Jr. and brother John Williams Biggar, along with many aunts and uncles. Connie was born in 1953 in Pepper Pike, Ohio on family property known locally as Biggarville. She attended Hathaway Brown School in Cleveland and graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. She became a graphic designer for Kolbe & Kolbe, working on projects such as collateral brochures, the company website, updating the corporate logo and designing a commemorative book celebrating the firm's rich history. Corny (as she was called by her close friends) loved the outdoors and was a devoted skier, paddler, hiker, runner and camper. She was an accomplished cook, artist and quilter. Most importantly, she was a friend to all who met her. She visited and exhibited at numerous quilting shows regionally, and enjoyed attending quilting retreats where she could share with others. Connie loved collecting recipes, fastidiously recording new recipes in meticulous penmanship, and then serving her friends amazing meals. Connie loved life and living it to the fullest. She shared her journey with cancer through her CaringBridge journal. After major surgery last fall, she wrote in her journal "I recommend trying to have as much fun as humanly possible... laughter can truly make the most challenging situations so much more manageable." Her friends often remarked during her final months of fighting cancer that they were not sure she ever knew how much she gave to others, how much they learned from her about strength, courage and living. And during her final few weeks under hospice care in the hospital, she kept by her bedside a photo of her three brothers and herself taken years ago in the Adirondacks, an area she loved second to her adopted home in Wisconsin. Memorial visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 8th, 2013 at the Jefferson Street Inn, Wausau. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation consider the Aspirus Health Foundation- Hospice Care, 425 Pine Ridge Blvd., Wausau, WI 54401 or supporting CaringBridge (www.caringbridge.org).