Obituary for Catherine “Kay” Higgins (Sheehan) Sr. Print Catherine “Kay” (Sheehan) Higgins, 87 of Marblehead, MA, formerly of Pittsfield passed away peacefully on January 14, 2019 in Marblehead, MA surrounded by her family. Kay was born November 12, 1931 in Burlington, Vermont, daughter of the late Catherine A. (Connors) Sheehan and Harold J. Sheehan. Kay lived in Vermont until the age of 10 and moved to Pittsfield, MA after her father’s passing in 1941.
Kay was the wife of John Patrick Higgins who predeceased her in 2011. She was educated in Richmond, VT and Pittsfield schools. Kay was a lifelong homemaker, and devoted mother of 5 children.
She instilled in all of them the importance of education and love of learning. After raising her family, Kay enjoyed traveling to visit her children and 10 grandchildren around the country. She also took numerous trips to visit her brother Joe in the many cities he lived in throughout the country over many years.
Kay was a devout Catholic, loved to laugh, sing, play games (was an “expert” Chinese checker player) and was a passionate follower of politics and the Democratic party. Kay had a kind and gentle personality, a wonderful sense of humor and was loved by all who knew her. She leaves her 5 children, Cathleen A Higgins of Cambridge, MA, Colleen E Higgins and husband Charles Cook of Fulton, NY, John M. Higgins and wife Mary of Manchester, MA, Maureen C. Higgins and Husband Jan Chciuk-Celt of Portland, OR and Timothy J Higgins of Chelmsford, MA as well as 10 grandchildren, Devin, Rachel, Emily, Elizabeth, Bridget, Thomas, Louis, Edward, Katie, and Riley.
She is also survived by her beloved sister-in-law Helen Doyle, cherished Cousin Betty Harmon, and dear long-time friend Andrea Dimassimo of Pittsfield, many cousins, nieces and nephews and is predeceased by her brother Joseph C. Sheehan. Kay’s family wishes to thank The Lafayette for their compassionate care and loving attention in her time there. FUNERAL NOTICE: Calling hours will be held, SATURDAY, January 19, 2019 from 8:00am to 9:30am at DERY FUNERAL HOME in PITTSFIELD, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00am at St. Joseph Church, celebrated by Rev.
Msgr. Michael Shershanovich, Pastor. Burial will follow in Ashuelot Cemetery in Dalton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Berkshire United Way or The Lafayette, A skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in her name in care of the Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St Pittsfield, MA 01201 To send flowers to the family of Catherine “Kay” Higgins (Sheehan) Sr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
