Obituary of Eileen D. Higgins

Eileen D. Higgins (Fegan), 79, died on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at her home in Ocala, FL. Eileen was born July 27, 1942 in Brooklyn, NY, to Myles J. Fegan and Mildred A. Fegan (Corr) and was raised in Long Island, NY, often spending summers in Connecticut. She graduated from Curé of ARS School in Merrick, NY in 1956, and completed St. Agnes Cathedral High School in Rockville Center, NY in 1960. She graduated from St. John’s University with a B.S. in Education in 1972 and went on to earn a M.S. in Education from Long Island University in 1975. A Catholic nun and teacher for nearly 20 years (1962-1981), Eileen later taught mathematics at Chaminade High School in Mineola, NY from 1983 until her retirement in 1997.

 

She was preceded in death by Thomas P. Higgins, her beloved husband of 30 years, as well as her parents, Myles and Mildred Fegan, her sister Patricia Walker, and her stepson Thomas C. Higgins. She is survived by her nieces Corey Dell and Kerry Nelson, her stepson Terry Higgins, stepdaughters Beth Napier and Margaret Napoli, daughter-in-law Margaret (Peg) Higgins, nephews David Earwicker, Adam Earwicker, and James Earwicker, and nieces Staci Turner, Annmarie Earwicker and Diane Darland, as well as brother-in-law Harley Earwicker. She also leaves behind nine amazing grandchildren: Emily, Callie, and Tad Higgins; Marina, Mark, and Evangeline Napoli; and Fenn, Kathleen, and Victoria Napier.

 

It is said that sorrow is the price that we pay for love, and that we don’t have each other forever so we should use the time we have together well. Eileen was blessed with family, neighbors, and friends who loved and cared for her deeply. She lived a full and vigorous life, and her passing will be felt by those left behind nearly as much as the joy and warmth provided by her laughter, smiles and hugs.

 

A memorial mass for Eileen will be held on Saturday, November 13 at 8:30am at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ocala, Florida. To virtually attend the service, please follow this link where it will be available to watch at approximately 10:30am: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/1826215121. Stories and anecdotes about Eileen may be sent to tehiggs77@aol.com, and inquiries regarding the date and time of the memorial mass may be sent there as well. Interment will be alongside her husband Tom at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. The family recommends that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Hospice of Marion County, Ocala, FL.

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