Christine Wigen Wiley
September 25, 1945 ~ September 8, 2019
CHRISTINE WIGEN WILEY
“Chris” (AGE 73)
Chris Wiley, 73, of Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on September 8, 2019 in Vienna, Virginia while visiting her beloved family.
Chris was born on September 25, 1945, in Oakland, California to John and Mary (Hood) Wigen. The eldest of 5 sisters, she was raised in Seattle, Washington. Upon graduation from Bishop Blanchet High School, Chris continued her education at the University of Washington. A brilliant mind, she graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Far Eastern & Slavic Studies. Chris moved to Washington, D.C. where she began a distinguished 30-year career in the intelligence community, retiring in October 1997 as an Associate Deputy Director of Operations and a member of the Senior Executive Service at the Central Intelligence Agency.
Chris was a mentor and role model to many, both in her professional and personal life. Most importantly to her, Chris was the champion and confidant of her daughters and grandchildren. Upon retiring with her husband, Steve, to Wilmington, NC, Chris continued to serve her community. She was a dedicated sacristan and parishioner at St. Therese Catholic Church and a weekly volunteer at Vintage Values, whose proceeds benefit the local domestic violence shelter. Chris always made it a priority to be present at her children and then grandchildren’s school and sports events, as well as every major life milestone. Chris touched many lives; her wisdom, strength, and charity made a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Chris is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Steve Wiley; her 2 daughters and their spouses: Jennifer Wiley (Alan Carpenter) and Debby Boniface (Chris); her 5 grandchildren: Anne, Ryan, Mary and Peter Boniface, and Kelli Carpenter; 4 sisters; a nephew and 4 nieces.
Chris is preceded in death by her parents and a niece.
A Funeral Mass will be held for Chris at 12:00 pm on Friday, September 27 at St. Therese Catholic Church, 209 Lumina Ave South, Wrightsville Beach, NC. Family will receive friends following the service at St. Mark Catholic Church parish hall, 1011 Eastwood Rd, Wilmington, NC. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday February 5, 2020 at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Chris, contributions may be made to Domestic Violence Shelter & Services, Inc., P.O. Box 1555, Wilmington, NC 28402 or online at www.domesticviolence-wilm.org. Online condolences and fond memories of Chris may be offered to the family at www.moneyandking.com
“Chris” (AGE 73)
Chris Wiley, 73, of Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on September 8, 2019 in Vienna, Virginia while visiting her beloved family.
Chris was born on September 25, 1945, in Oakland, California to John and Mary (Hood) Wigen. The eldest of 5 sisters, she was raised in Seattle, Washington. Upon graduation from Bishop Blanchet High School, Chris continued her education at the University of Washington. A brilliant mind, she graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Far Eastern & Slavic Studies. Chris moved to Washington, D.C. where she began a distinguished 30-year career in the intelligence community, retiring in October 1997 as an Associate Deputy Director of Operations and a member of the Senior Executive Service at the Central Intelligence Agency.
Chris was a mentor and role model to many, both in her professional and personal life. Most importantly to her, Chris was the champion and confidant of her daughters and grandchildren. Upon retiring with her husband, Steve, to Wilmington, NC, Chris continued to serve her community. She was a dedicated sacristan and parishioner at St. Therese Catholic Church and a weekly volunteer at Vintage Values, whose proceeds benefit the local domestic violence shelter. Chris always made it a priority to be present at her children and then grandchildren’s school and sports events, as well as every major life milestone. Chris touched many lives; her wisdom, strength, and charity made a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Chris is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Steve Wiley; her 2 daughters and their spouses: Jennifer Wiley (Alan Carpenter) and Debby Boniface (Chris); her 5 grandchildren: Anne, Ryan, Mary and Peter Boniface, and Kelli Carpenter; 4 sisters; a nephew and 4 nieces.
Chris is preceded in death by her parents and a niece.
A Funeral Mass will be held for Chris at 12:00 pm on Friday, September 27 at St. Therese Catholic Church, 209 Lumina Ave South, Wrightsville Beach, NC. Family will receive friends following the service at St. Mark Catholic Church parish hall, 1011 Eastwood Rd, Wilmington, NC. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday February 5, 2020 at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Chris, contributions may be made to Domestic Violence Shelter & Services, Inc., P.O. Box 1555, Wilmington, NC 28402 or online at www.domesticviolence-wilm.org. Online condolences and fond memories of Chris may be offered to the family at www.moneyandking.com
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I got to know Chris when I was working at St. Therese in the office. She had been a member of the Finance Council and was such a wonderful person. I sat next to her many times at St. Therese, as well as at Mass at nearby St. Mark’s Catholic Church on occasion. She was a fellow “former DC person” here in Wilmington, and more than that, was warm, funny, obviously very smart and savvy, normal, and just a joy to be around. I send my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to her family. I will keep all who loved and knew Chris in my prayers and believe. I am grateful for the time that I got to spend with her.
All of us here at Caparelli & Mellis, DDS send out deepest condolences to your family. We enjoyed getting to know Christine over the years and will truly miss seeing her at our office. One could not doubt her love and pride for her children and grandchildren which was often shown through her smile when she talked about them. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Steve and Family…..Lynne, Bob, Roger and I and our families are sadden by your lost. Chris was the perfect partner for you and a wonderful Mom and Grandmother. Though tragic by such an unexpected event, I know her Life will be celebrated and the greatest gift granted by God to you and the entire Wiley family. Love you and we will be thinking of you and your Family often.
Dear Steve & family, I was very fortunate & grateful to have Chris as my sister-in-law. No one could have asked for a kinder and more gracious person than Chris to be apart of your life. She truly was a kind thoughtful person and incredibly accommodating to the family when we would visit. Chris was an amazing loving & devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Chris’ life was cut way too short and she certainly will be missed every day. My heartfelt sympathy to my brother Steve and his family. Love, Nancy
Dear Steve, Jen, and Debbie, I’m so sorry for your loss. Chris was such a kind and thoughtful person. Thinking of you today and sending you my prayers.
I just received the latest issue of CIRA, the CIA retiree quarterly and scanned the “in memorium” section. To my horror, I spotted the name of Chris Wiley; surely a mistake! Alas google confirmed the impossible. CHris was my boss and role model for how to manage: combine confidence, effficiency, expect high standards without self aggrandizement. In the 1980s and 1990’s female bosses were often disparaged and feared–esp by females. Not .Chris Wiley. She directed an organization resettling high profile defectors, many seeking to undermine the organization helping them. Under her wise direction, tough problems, tougher personalities were handled by the team she built. She did so with great charm, empathy and a willingness to listen. I am so sorry she is gone oh so soon. organization handling high profile defectors
Dear Steve, Jennifer, Debbie and Family, Christine was my first boss during my stint with the Agency. I will always remember fondly the day she welcomed me to her team and her contagious smile. Our sincere condolences and sympathies for the loss of your loved one. May God grant all of you peace in the coming days. It was a true blessing to know her.
Mrs. Robyn (Buckley) Riebling and Family, Vienna, VA