Dorothy Ann Higgins

It is with great sadness that the family of Dorothy Ann Higgins, wife of the late Thomas J. Higgins of Saint John, NB, announces her passing on Sunday, March 24, 2013 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born on March 30, 1933 in Sydney, NS, she was the daughter of the late Dougald and Katherine (Coffey) MacDonald.

Dorothy is survived by her nine children: John (Kit Hickey) of Saint John; Patty of Saint John; Kathy (Steve) Anderson of Kelowna, BC; Tom (Sue) of Saint John; Jane (Paul) MacDonald of Quispamsis; Philip of Long Reach; Colleen (Derek) Smith of Saint John; Karen (Mark) Palmer of Rothesay; and Mike (Kathy) of  Quispamsis, fifteen beloved grandchildren: Cailin and Bridget Higgins; Megan and Ryan Anderson; Carly, Ellen and Maggie Higgins; Emily and Matthew Smith; Sam, Laura and Kate Palmer; Bailey, Luke and Callie Higgins. Dorothy is also survived by her siblings: brother, Bruce MacDonald (the late Kay); and sisters, Marie Madison (Mike), Joan Clark (the late George), and Gen McInnis (Duke), as well as several close in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Besides her husband Tom, Dorothy was predeceased by brothers; Fred (Aileen) and Harold "Lefty" (Marg) and niece, Caroline.

Dorothy will always be remembered for her strength of spirit, and for her love of family and large gatherings at her home and at Long Reach.

Dorothy’s family will remain eternally grateful to all the extraordinary health care professionals who cared for her so well over the years.

Following cremation, visitation will be held at Fitzpatrick’s Funeral Home, 100 Waterloo Street, Saint John (634-1965) on Tuesday, March 26, from 2:00 to 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 from St. Peter’s Church at 2:00 PM. Interment to follow at a later date at St. Bridget’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Romero House, ProKids, St. Bridget’s Building Fund, the ExtraMural Foundation or to a charity of the donor’s choice.