Penny Clarke Wigglesworth, of Naples, Fla, formerly of Marblehead, died on May 30 at the Avow Hospice House in Naples, Fla.

Penny was born Dec. 29, 1938. She was extremely proud of being the first national sales manager for Harbor Sweets. Her next big accomplishment was the creation of the Penny Bear Co., a safe and welcoming community of people who provided comfort to others in need of a “hug.”

The Penny Bear hugs reached people’s hearts near and far, in homes, hospitals and schools, through the Life is Good bears, Slow down for Allie bears, along with donations of bears, books and calendars. Recipient organizations included hospices, Paul Newman’s Camp, Haiti Hurricane relief, Shriner’s Hospital, and many more.

During winters in Naples, Fla, she brought her workshop and book clubs with her, which also extended to friends in Roanoke, Va.

She didn’t stop with just the Penny Bear workshop. She extended her arms and opened her home to support groups and healing activities. One of the sup port groups was for those living with Parkinson’s, which Penny ended up struggling with for the past 10-plus years.

She was predeceased by her parents Charlotte (Rogers) and John Allen (Jack) Clarke; her husband Giff Wigglesworth, Jr. ; and sisters Kimball Clarke Brooks and Carolyn Rogers Antonik.

She is survived by her children Nancy Wigglesworth Dugan (Dion), Giff Wigglesworth III (Sue), Sally Wigglesworth Cioffi (Doug), John Clarke Wigglesworth (Stacey); and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Donations can be made to: your local hospice chapter, Avow Hospice in Naples, Fla., the Michael J. Fox Foundation, or the Penny Bear Co., 6 Elmwood Rd., Marblehead Ma. 01945. Or simply give someone a hug who needs it.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4, at Tedesco Country Club. Any Covid-19 precautions at that time will be determined and posted closer to the date.

Arrangements are under the care of Legacy Options Funeral and Cremation Services, Naples, Fla.