Julia Wiggins

Julia Barilovits Wiggins, 99, was welcomed home into her Lord and Saviors’ Loving Arms on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. She was surrounded by family praying The Lord’s Prayer as she peacefully passed. 

Julia was the daughter of Austrian-Hungarian immigrants, Stephen and Frances Barilovits, who came to the U.S. at very young ages to escape the looming threat of WWI. She and her two siblings (Ann Neumyer and Stephen Barilovits, Jr) were raised on a strawberry farm in a Hungarian community in Polk County Florida. 

After high school, Julia attended Weather School and worked forecasting wind currents for flight control towers during WWII. 

After marrying Turner Wiggins, Jr. (deceased), they settled and raised a family in Boynton Beach, Fl. Later, Julia and her three children settled in Winter Haven where she became a valued employee of the State of Florida, Department of Agriculture, Citrus Budwood Division. After retiring she then volunteered at Habitat for Humanity for several years. 

Julia was a member of St Joseph Catholic Church, where she graciously volunteered her time over many years. Her Catholic faith was the bedrock of her life and served as a beautiful inspiration to family, friends, and caregivers. 

Julia is preceded in death by her parents and both siblings. She had to say goodbye to her eldest child, Frances Hannum in 2010. She is survived by her daughter, Paula Bohnstedt; her son, Turner Wiggins, III (Martha) and many beloved Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. 

A Memorial Mass will be held July 12, 2025, at 10:30am in the Chapel at St Joseph Catholic Church, Winter Haven, FL.

She will be inurned in a private family ceremony on a separate occasion at Mary Queen of All Saints Cemetery, St Matthew Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale, Florida in Julia's name.