Dorothy Cruickshank Higgins

1925 - 2017

Dorothy Cruickshank Higgins

Dorothy passed away on October 27, 2017 in Des Moines, Washington. Born in Miami, Florida on January 11, 1925 to William and Dorothy Vierbuchen Cruickshank, she was raised in Rockville, Maryland, and was the oldest surviving female of her 1942 graduating class at Richard Montgomery High School.

Dorothy Jane Cruickshank and Walter M. Higgins, Jr. married in Rockville, Maryland, in June, 1943. After moving from Long Island, NY, to Portland, Oregon in 1948, they eventually settled in Medford, Oregon in 1955 where Walter was involved with Rogue Valley Manor in the emerging industry of retirement communities for seniors. After a couple of years in San Diego in the late 1960's, Walter and Dorothy moved to Des Moines, Washington in 1970 to live and work at Wesley Homes. Dorothy lived on the campus of Wesley Homes for over 37 years. She earned an Associate's Degree in Respiratory Therapy from Highline College, but her primary profession was raising her children and participating in school, philanthropic and social justice efforts through her community and church. From her time in both Oregon and Washington she was particularly active in P.E.O. and United Methodist Women.

She is remembered as an active loving mom who enjoyed travel, gardening, crafting, crossword puzzles, organizing a rummage sale or a volunteer driven event, and especially spending time with her family.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband Walter of 66 years and her brother William Allen Cruickshank. She is survived by her four children, Walter Higgins III (Jacqueline) Reno, Nevada, Susan Nicol (Scott) Bend, Oregon, Alison Ono (Stuart) Woodinville, Washington, Jane Fredricksen (Jim) Mercer Island, Washington. She will be dearly missed as the matriarch of her family that also includes nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

At her request, there will be a private family ceremony to spread her ashes to be with Walter. Remembrances may be made to Wesley Homes Foundation Circle of Concern at www.wesleyhomes.org.