Obituary of Dora Assaid

Dora Wiggins Assaid, 94, of Roanoke, peacefully entered into God's prescence on Thursday, May 23, 2013. She was born October 10, 1918, in Roanoke, Va., a daughter of the late Najjum and Hannah Peters Wiggins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, James, Joseph, Frank, Peter, Paul, John, and Samuel; and sisters, Christine and Sister James Albert. Dora was known for her large collection of talking stuffed animals. She was always thinking of others before herself often caring for the sick and baking and cooking for those in need. She was a young at heart, independent, loving individual with a wonderful sense of humor. Her life could be summed up by saying that she was "bigger than life in a small package." Dora will be sadly missed by her family and many friends. Surviving is her beloved husband of 74 years, Walter T. Assaid; children, Patricia Minton and husband, Archie, Delores McNutt and husband, Charles, Jerry Assaid and wife, Georgetta, Don Assaid and wife, Ruth Ann, Mark Assaid and wife, Jennifer, and Karen Legato and husband, Peter. Dora's rich legacy also includes 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and friends too numerous to mention. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Fan Free Clinic, 1010 N. Thompson Street, Richmond, VA 23230 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908. Funeral Mass will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 27, 2013, at St. Andrew's Catholic Church by Monsignor Thomas Miller. Interment will follow in St. Andrew's Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 25, 2013, from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Sunday, May 26, 2013, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m. at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, Va., 540-366-0707.