Obituary of Elaine A. Higgins

Elaine Alice Higgins, 92, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Bangor, Maine on August 25, 1931 to Margaret Mary (Riley) and John Constantine Ryder Sr.

Elaine attended St. John's Catholic School and graduated from John Bapst High School’s Class of 1949. Elaine was a lifelong parish member of St. John’s Church. She married Donald L. Higgins on Nov. 3, 1956, and together they raised 8 children. Family was Elaine’s greatest pride and joy. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, always there when we needed her. Her home was a favorite gathering spot for family and friends, where she always offered love, support, guidance, acceptance, laughter, and a hot cup of coffee.  She enjoyed having company, the more the merrier.  Over the years, many of her nieces and nephews from out of state traveled to spend time with her, knowing they were always welcome at Aunt Elaine’s.  Her life was an example of love, kindness and compassion.  She left a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of meeting her.

Elaine was an avid card player.  For many years she enjoyed weekly card games with a special group of friends: Father Rudy, Connie, Charlie, and Sheila. She also loved a good game of cribbage, especially with her daughter-in-law Theresa.  Many “friendly debates” were had on “who skunked who”. 

Elaine was a homemaker until her children were all in school.  She then went to work as a secretary at St. John’s Catholic School, a job that she loved so much, that she continued to work until she was 78.  Throughout her life, she volunteered for many organizations and groups, her favorite being The Attic.

She was predeceased by her parents, brothers, William (Frannie) Ryder, John (Jack) Ryder and sister, Mary Perry and infant sister, Noreen.  She is survived by her children Michael Higgins, Mary Roberts and husband Bruce, Joseph Higgins and wife Theresa, James Higgins and wife Connie, Thomas Higgins and wife Debbie, Rachael Hackett and husband Matthew Sr., Jeffrey Higgins and wife Jamie, Constance Lewis and husband Jason. She will be sadly missed by her grandchildren, Matthew and wife Michelle, Jennifer and husband Justin, Molly and husband Ryan, Travis, Andrew, Katelyn, Elizabeth, Brian, Nathaniel and wife Chloe, Taylor and husband Daniel, Jeffrey and wife Meredith, Brooke, Tyne and step-grandchildren, Erika and husband Brian, Sean and wife Samantha.  Her love will live on in her great grandchildren, Zoe, Matthew III, Thomas, Nathaniel, Shannon, Ryker, Ella, Jack, Matthew, Wilder, Payton, Claire, Abigail, Alison, Camden and many wonderful nieces and nephews and a sister-in-law, Joanne Harvey.

Family and friends may visit 4 -6 PM  Monday, February 5, 2024 at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 299 Union St, Bangor. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 AM Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. John's Catholic Church, York St., Bangor.  A reception will be held in the church hall following the Mass.

The family wishes to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to the Maine Veterans Home, St. Joseph's Hospice and St. Joseph's Hospital for the care and compassion given to our mother.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to Maine Veteran’s Home Activities Fund, 44 Hogan Rd, Bangor, ME 04401.  Messages and memories may be shared with her family on the tribute wall of kileyandfoley.com.