Julia Donohue "Julie" Higgins

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Collegiate School University of Richmond

Julia Higgins Obituary

Julia "Julie" Donohue Higgins, of Richmond, passed away on September 14, 2005. She was the beloved wife of Charles Thomas Higgins and devoted mother of three sons, Charles Thomas Higgins Jr., James Brent Higgins and William Ross Higgins. She is also survived by her sister, Martha Jayne Donohue; her two aunts, Betty Gustafson and Gwen Donohue; as well as a host of cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, James H. and Mildred G. Donohue. Julie graduated from Collegiate School and from Westhampton College of the University of Richmond, where she participated in field hockey, lacrosse and basketball. She went on to get her Master's Degree in Education from U of R and after college, taught physical education part-time at Collegiate, St. Catherine's, Trinity Episcopal schools and U of R, where she later became an active member of the Spider Club. Julie was the first female member of the Forest View Volunteer Rescue Squad. She was instrumental in and was a chairperson of the early childhood program at River Road Church, Baptist. Julie was a member of the Tuckahoe Woman's Club, a former board member of the Junior Board of the Virginia Home and a past member and sustainer of the Junior League. As a seasoned athlete, her love of sports developed into her true passion for tennis. She became an accomplished tennis player, was a member of the Anderson Cup Team at The Country Club of Virginia, played on the championship level of the Richmond Suburban Ladies' Tennis League teams and participated in many city and state tournaments. In addition to tennis, Julie was an accomplished equestrian, a pianist and loved water sports and sailing. She will be fondly remembered as a caring, loving, supportive wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend and neighbor, who was always the first to arrive in a time of need. The family will receive friends 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Central Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 3215 Cutshaw Avenue. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, September 19, at River Road Church, Baptist, River and Ridge Roads. Interment in Hollywood Cemetery. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the American Red Cross, Greater Richmond Chapter, Katrina Fund, P.O. Box 27006, Richmond, Va. 23261-7006 or a charity of your choice.

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Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch from Sep. 17 to Sep. 18, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Julia Higgins

6 Entries

Gwen Duncan

September 26, 2005

Dear Mr. Higgins and sons,

Although I have never met you, I knew your wife and mother well from her Westhampton College days. We played hockey and sports together. Julie was in my little sister class of '74 and was well liked by all. I know she will be greatly missed.

Our mutual friend Kathy Kirk called me last week to inform me of Julie's passing. As you can imagine, this was quite shocking news. I only remember her as vital, full of energy, and frequently smiling.

Please know that all of you are in my prayers as you attempt to cope with your great loss. I pray that God's comfort will surround you and give you peace that only He can give. Please know that I'll continue to keep you in prayer during the weeks ahead.

With God's love,

Member of W.C. Class of 1972

Mike Sica

September 19, 2005

Ross,

It's always difficult to know what to say at a time like this because you're never fully prepared for it to happen, especially so suddenly. I've found that when remembering someone even the most minute random interactions can stick with you for some time. I first heard the news while biking home from Dulles last evening. All I could think about for the remainder of the trip was the sound of your mom's voice on the answering machine. I still remember [back when I was growing up] hearing her call "CHARR-LIE!" anytime the two of us were up to various amounts of mischief in the vicinity of the house. I know that this year in particular has not been the easiest of years for you. My sympathy goes out to you and the family during this time. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help, even if you just need someone to talk to. Hang in there...

Tara Hurst

September 19, 2005

Ross,

I know that this is a difficult time for you and your family. My prayers are with you and your family. If you need anything, just let me know.

Mrs. Hurst

Deep Run High School

Diane Green

September 18, 2005

Chuck,

I was so very sorry to hear of the loss of your wife. Please know that my prayers are with you in this time of such grief. I cannot imagine the emptiness you and your children must feel. Be comforted that Julie is at peace with God.

Michael Feuerstein

September 17, 2005

Mrs. Higgins, I cannot say that I knew you very well. And that is to say that I met you a few times and shared brief words with you in passing. But, judging by the loss felt by those who did know you, I can tell that you were an amazing person whose presence will always be missed.

Ross, I cannot even begin to imagine the grief you must be suffering. Know that I will do whatever I can to help you in any way possible and that I will be here for you. I just hope that you may find comfort in the thought that your mother has moved on to a more peaceful world.

Claire Matthews

September 17, 2005

To write about the loss of such a dear friend is to great a task to put in to words, but the love that we feel for Julie and the memories that we had shared together will forever be in our hearts. She was a wonderful person who always opened her home and friendship to us. We will miss her dearly. To Chuck, Charlie, Brent and Ross, are love and thoughts are with you always. Ross always remember the fun we had at KD and Mekong with your mom. Her smile and laughter was priceless! We love you all very much and know that God and your angels are here with you to give you all the love and support you need.

Love always,

Claire, Michael and Angela Matthews

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