Helen Higgins was born in Cambridge on February 6th, 1919.
She was one of 6 children and her family and faith became the most important aspect of her life. The early death of her brother and father was difficult, but strong family ties and faith helped Helen deal with such tragedy.
After mass at St. John’s on Sunday, her house on Walden Street was filled with the love and laughter of extended family, especially her many cousins. These are memories that Helen cherishes.
Helen attended St. John’s elementary and St. John’s high school in Cambridge where the politician, Tip O’Neill, also attended a few years ahead of her. She was an excellent student and excelled in math.
Upon graduation in 1937, Helen worked in a clerical position at the Watertown Arsenal. She was not only proud to work at the arsenal for its role in the war effort, but her income was essential since her father died suddenly at the age of 40.
Helen was introduced to Roderick Higgins from Lowell by mutual friends and was married on May28, 1949 at St. John’s church, and the reception was held at the Hampshire House where Cheers is now located.
Helen and Rod had two boys James and Robert who were first brought up in the home Rod built on Rutland Street in Watertown. Helen and Rod were devout Catholics and brought up their two boys attending St. Jude’s Church in Waltham. During the 1960’s, Rod was president of St. Jude’s Holy Name Society, and Helen was active in the Sodality at St. Jude’s.
In 1967, the family moved to Winchester where she and Rod became involved in the community and attended mass at St. Eulalias. Father Haddad at the time welcomed them to the church, and the Higgins’ family was at mass every Sunday.
In 1970, Helen’s dream of building a home in Centerville came true. She enjoyed days at the beach with her two grandchildren, Jay and Patricia, and taking them for ice cream at Four Seas. As an admirer of the Kennedy’s, she was always delighted to see one of the family in Hyannis or at Our Lady of Victory church.
Predeceased by her beloved husband Rod, Helen is survived by her children James Higgins and his wife Lanie of Winchester and Centerville and Robert Higgins and his spouse Ken Nicosia of Newburyport. Cherished grandmother of Jay Higgins and his wife Katie and Patricia Schmidt and husband Glenn; and her great grandchildren Tommy, Robbie, Hannah, Sadie, and Emma.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 29th from 8:45-9:45am at Lane Funeral Home, 760 Main St. WINCHESTER. Please wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines. A private Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Eulalia’s Church. In lieu of flowers donations in her memory may be made to New Horizons at Choate, 21 Warren Ave., Woburn, MA 01801.