Ann C Higgins

Ann C. Higgins (McGerl), 86, of North East passed away on Wednesday February 4, 2026 at Ball Pavilion.

She was born on April 16, 1939 in Erie, PA to the late John Thomas Higgins, Sr. and Helen Marie (Russell) Higgins.

Ann graduated from Strong Vincent High School and earned a certificate at the Pittsburgh Institute as a teachers aid for mentally challenged children.

She worked as an aid at Shriners Hospital, was the head cook at the GECAC Senior Center in North East, and was a teachers assistant at the Gertrude A. Barber Center.

Ann was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in North East.

She enjoyed reading, puzzles, playing cards, and creating greeting cards.

Ann was preceded in death by her former husband, John R. McGerl; grandmother who raised her, Elizabeth Bingham; brother, John Thomas Higgans, Jr.; sisters, Mary Kensill and Denise Space; close aunt, Margaret Higgins; and son-in-law, Martan Kelly, Jr.

She is survived by her children, Tracy Connors (Scott, Sr.); Michael McGerl (Kathy), and Lisa Kelly (Tony) all of North East; brother-in-laws, Kenneth Kensill and Jerry Space of Erie; 13 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends and family may call at the William D. Elkin Funeral Home, 65 South Lake Street, North East on Sunday February 8th from 2:00 p.m. until time of a funeral service at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Officiating the service is Pastor Gregg D. Townsend. Private interment will be held at North East Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Barber National Institute, 100 Barber Place, Erie, PA 16507 or the American Cancer Society, 2115 West 38th Street, Erie, PA 16508. Please send condolences to elkinfh.com.