Obituary of Jean Margaret Higgins

JEAN MARGARET HIGGINS (Gray) 

On Sunday November 1^st, our beloved mother passed away peacefully at her home in Strathroy, Ontario at the age of 95.  She was a loving wife, a mother, grandmother & great-grandmother, a teacher, a volunteer and a friend to many.  We will always remember her sense of humour, laughter, wit, wisdom, determination, love of chocolate and, above all, her strong loyalty to family and friends.

Mom was born in Copper Cliff, Ontario to Corinne and Robin Gray.   Mom and Dad (Ted, predeceased 2005) lived in North Bay and Sturgeon Falls before moving to Strathroy in 1959.  They were happily married for 59 years, and enjoyed many adventures with family and friends – boating (whether on the Trent & North Channel with the Camerons, or delighting their grandsons on a houseboat in Kentucky), jaunts to Las Vegas,  travelling around Europe while visiting Judy & Jim in Belgium,  and the Rocky Mountaineer train and Alaska to name a few.

Mom’s immediate family includes her brothers Gordon (Pat) and Alan, deceased (Peggy), daughters Ann (Cam) and Judy (Jim), grandchildren Jeff (Melanie) and Kevin (Mary) and great-grandchildren Charlotte, Matthew and William, plus nieces and nephews (Donald, David, Diane, Doug, Debra and Anne Marie). 

Mom had many special friends – bridge pals, fellow teachers (Adelaide-W.G. MacDonald), the “rodeo” group, and fellow volunteers.    Thanks to all who shared their time with her, especially Estelle. 

A very special thank you to Judy Campbell, who as a full-time wonderful and caring caregiver, gave Mom her time at home with dignity and love.

Jean has been cremated, and, due to COVID-19, a memorial service will be postponed until a later date.  As pets were so important to Mom and Dad, memorial donations to the Gordon and Patricia Gray Animal Welfare Foundation, Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre or a wildlife or animal charity of your choice would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to DENNING’S OF STRATHROY, (519) 245-1023. Share a memory at www.strathroyfuneralhome.com.