Nancy G. Higgins 1935-2024
BRISTOLVILLE — Nancy G. Higgins, 89, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully, Monday, Dec. 10, 2024, at home, surrounded by her family.
Born Oct. 16, 1935, in Vandergrift, Pa., to the late Joseph and Christina Virostek, Nancy was part of a big family with five sisters and one brother. She graduated from Vandergrift High School in the class of 1953.
Nancy moved to Warren in the late 1950s. She worked at the phone company, Packard, and eventually, General Electric, where she met her husband, Donald Higgins.
Nancy was married to the love of her life for 62 wonderful years and went on to have two children, with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family was her greatest joy, and she happily hosted Sunday dinner every week.
As a breast cancer survivor, Nancy not only overcame incredible challenges but used her experience to help others. She was actively involved in The Encore Breast Cancer Support Group for many years and spent her time counseling women undergoing treatment.
She had a passion for travel, especially in Europe, where she loved exploring its history, landscapes and cultures. She enjoyed sharing her stories and pictures of her time abroad with friends and family.
Nancy was of deep Catholic faith and a dedicated member of St. William Catholic Church; she actively participated in parish life, contributing her time and talents to various activities including the quilting club and volunteering for Fish Fridays.
Nancy was also an avid reader. She worked part-time at The Paperback Shack in Warren for many years where she enjoyed sharing her passion for literature with others (the discounted books were also a bonus). A frequent visitor to The Bristol Public Library, Nancy could often be spotted leaving with a stack of 10 or more books every two weeks.
Although it is impossible to capture the fullness of Nancy’s spirit in a few paragraphs, she leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, faith and an enduring passion for family, learning and travel. Her memory will forever inspire and guide all who were blessed to know her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and three sisters.
She is survived by her husband, Donald Higgins; children, Denise Higgins and Todd Higgins (Stacy); and grandchildren, Dana DiBell (Chad) and Jordan Volkov (Jacob), all of Bristolville / Champion, and Taylor Higgins of Austintown; and great-grandchildren, Liam, Arianna, Jaxson and Phoenix.
Calling hours will be 10 a.m. to noon, with funeral services to follow at noon Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, at Lane Shafer-Winans Funeral Home, 164 N. High St., Cortland, OH 44410.
Committal service and interment will directly follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, Greene.
To honor her love of reading and community, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made directly to The Bristol Public Library, 1855 OH-88, Bristolville, OH 44402.
(special notice)