Obituary of Frances Marion Higginson

HIGGINSON, Frances Marion  (Hayes)

Frances "Frankie" Higginson passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on Saturday November 9, 2024, in Ottawa. Frankie was born in Cumberland, Ontario November 17, 1928 to Clifford Hayes and Violet Williams, the 5th of 6 children. She attended Normal School in Ottawa to gain her teaching credentials. Frankie taught in Barb, ON where she came to the attention of a Randolph Higginson who was looking for someone to act and sing in his travelling plays.  Soon after - in 1950 - they were married, moving to Welby Farm in 1952 with their first child, Beth.  Over the course of the next dozen years came the other 9 children:  Arthur, Shirley, Marian, Judy, David, Stephen, Ruth, Peter, and Susan.

While family kept Mom very busy, much of Frankie's world revolved around the church, the Women's Institute, and the community.  Mom was a devoted member of Holy Trinity Anglican Church for over 70 years - she sang in the choir, ran the Sunday School, was an active member of the Ladies' Guild, and in parish outreach.

Frankie was a devoted member of the Green Lane branch of the Women's Institute, serving as president of the local chapter and afterwards as a provincial board member.  In recognition of all of her contributions to the community, she was chosen as Champlain Township's senior volunteer of the year in 2000.

Frankie was extremely proud of Welby Farm and its iconic Round Barn and was always happy to tour visitors around, sharing encyclopedic knowledge of its history.

In addition to all the other demands on her time, Frankie also worked as a Nurse's Aid at Pleasant Rest Nursing Home, starting her career in 1974 and retiring in 1993.

She always treasured time with family, and delighted in staying current with the goings-on of her children and grand-children.

Predeceased by her parents and all 5 siblings, her husband Randolph, her sons Stephen, Peter, and David. Survived by Beth (Ken Brownell), Arthur, Shirley, Marian, Judy, Ruth (Tom Chmara), Susan; her 20 grandchildren; and her new great-grandson.

Funeral will be held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 440 Stanley Street, Hawkesbury at 11:00 am Monday, November 18th, 2024 with burial at the family plot in Cassburn Cemetery, followed by a reception in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Holy Trinity Anglican Church  or to the Dementia Society 

A Tree of Remembrance will be planted in her honour at the McAlpine Forever Forest in Vankleek Hill.