Jean D. Higgins

1921 - 2014

Jean D. (McBride) Higgins of New Britain passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 26, 2014. She was 93. Born on March 10, 1921 to Thomas H. and Dorothy K. McBride in Sioux City, Iowa. Jean attended Morningside College in Sioux City Iowa. She met her husband during WWII and they married in Dalhart Texas in 1943. Jean moved to New Britain in 1945 and worked for Holo-Chrome Industries of Elmwood. She and her husband Thomas were founding members of Saint Jerome Church in New Britain. A patron of area arts and cultural events she served the community regularly as an active volunteer at Hungerford Nature Center in Kensington. Jean lived a wonderful life, but there was nothing she cherished more than being a grandmother and more recently a "GIGI" to her eight great grandchildren. She adored each one in her own way and when she was able she would spend hours reading, playing and creating priceless memories. Her face would light up the room at the sight of the children, and the love and affection was mutually shared. They have all been blessed with these memories of her. Jean treasured her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is survived by her beloved three children: Marybeth Stanton of Southington; Thomas J. Higgins Jr. and his wife Jeanne Higgins of Kensington; and Jean Doyle and her husband Donald Doyle of Groton. She leaves behind six grandchildren: Matthew Stanton and his wife Susan of Kensington, Sean Stanton and his wife Tracie of Southington; Amy Kurnik and her husband Brian of Kensington; Cara Staus and her husband Jonathan of Berlin; Katelyn Liegeot and her husband Adam of Newington; and Bridget Doyle Kusy and her husband William of Groton. She leaves behind eight cherished great-grandchildren: Ciaran Stanton; Alison and Cameron Stanton; Jack, William and Madeline Kurnik; Aiden Staus and Lucy Doyle Kusy. She also leaves her beloved sister Mary and her husband Earl Dean of Canton, SD and several nieces and nephews. Jean was pre-deceased by her husband of 54 years Thomas J. Higgins, Sr., her brother Thomas H. McBride II., her grandson Thomas P. Higgins and her son-in-law, Peter Stanton. Jean was a selfless mother, grand/great-grand mother and always would put others needs first. She will be deeply missed by her family and many friends. The Family wishes to thank the wonderful loving and caring staff at the Jerome Home where Jean resided. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: New Britain Youth Museum at Hungerford Park, 191 Farmington Ave., Kensington, CT 06037 Family and friends are asked to meet at Saint Jerome Church Slater Road, New Britain at 11 AM on Monday March 31 to Celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will take place in West Lane Cemetery, Kensington privately and at the convenience of the family. Friends may call at the Kenney-Luddy Funeral Home, 203 S. Main St., New Britain, CT, 06051 on Sunday, March 30, 2014 from 2 to 4 pm.