Janet Colleen Higgins

HIGGINS - Janet Colleen, registered nurse, passed away June 18, 2009, following a long illness. Janet died at home, surrounded by family and friends, as she had wished. Janet was born in Los Angeles on September 10, 1943, to Melvin and Betty Groshong. As a child, she loved playing with her brothers on the beaches of Southern California. In 1956, the family moved to Neosho, MO, where she graduated high school. Always seeking to comfort those in pain, Janet moved to Tulsa and earned a nursing degree at Hillcrest. In Tulsa, she met Chad Higgins, whom she married in 1964. Janet and Chad had two sons, Steven, born in 1967, and James, born in 1970. Her caring nature and professionalism earned her a reputation as one of the best RNs at St. Francis Hospital, where she worked for 22 years. Her compassion was widely admired by doctors, staff and most of all, the patients she served. While her sons were growing up, Janet continued her nursing career, often working late-night shifts while helping Steve and James keep up with their studies, sports and other school activities during the day. In the early '90s, she was injured while assisting a patient, and eventually retired. But even in retirement, she still acted as "nurse" to countless friends, family members, her beloved basset hounds, Barney, Fred and Sammy, and her newest puppy, Duke. She loved celebrating holidays and birthdays, getting together with family for cake and ice cream, and sending cards to loved ones. Her favorite time of the year was Christmas. She had a great sense of humor and wonderful smile, but it was her kindness, generosity and compassion that will be remembered most. She was preceded in death by her father, Melvin Groshong and her brother, David Groshong. She is survived by: her husband, Chad Higgins, of Tulsa; son, James Higgins of Tulsa; son, Steve Higgins and daughter-in-law, Linda Strong, of Tulsa; mother, Betty Groshong, of Tulsa; brother, Ted Groshong of Columbia, MO; as well as many brothers and sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces. Memorial service at 2 p.m. Friday, June 26, at Moore's Southlawn. Janet Colleen Higgins V IEW AND SIGN THE ONLINE GUEST BOOK: www.legacy.com/tulsaworld