Nancy G. Higgins

Nancy G. Higgins, 89, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away at home peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, December 10th, 2024.

Born October 16th, 1935, in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, to the late Joseph and Christina Virostek, Nancy was a part of a big family with five sisters and one brother. She graduated from Vandergrift High School in the class of 1953. 

Nancy moved to Warren, Ohio, in the late 1950s. There, she worked at the phone company, Packard, and eventually General Electric, where she met her husband, Donald Higgins. 

Nancy was married to the love of her life for 62 wonderful years and went on to have two children, with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family was her greatest joy, and she happily hosted Sunday dinner every week. 

As a breast cancer survivor, Nancy not only overcame incredible challenges but used her experience to help others. She was actively involved in The Encore Breast Cancer Support Group for many years and spent her time counseling women undergoing treatment. 

She had a passion for travel, especially in Europe, where she loved exploring its history, landscapes, and cultures. She enjoyed sharing her stories and pictures of her time abroad with friends and family. 

Nancy was of deep Catholic faith and a dedicated member of St. William Catholic Church; she actively participated in parish life, contributing her time and talents to various activities, including the quilting club and volunteering for Fish Fridays.

Nancy was also an avid reader. She worked part-time at The Paperback Shack in Warren for many years, where she enjoyed sharing her passion for literature with others (the discounted books were also a bonus). A frequent visitor to The Bristol Public Library, Nancy could often be spotted leaving with a stack of ten or more books every two weeks. 

Although it is impossible to capture the fullness of Nancy’s spirit in a few paragraphs, she leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, faith, and an enduring passion for family, learning, and travel. Her memory will forever inspire and guide all who were blessed to know her.

She is preceded in death by her parents and three sisters. 

She is survived by her husband, Donald Higgins; children Denise Higgins and Todd Higgins (Stacy); grandchildren Dana DiBell (Chad) and Jordan Volkov (Jacob), all of Bristolville/Champion, Ohio, Taylor Higgins of Austintown, Ohio, and great-grandchildren Liam, Arianna, Jaxson, and Phoenix. 

Calling hours will be held on Monday, December 16th, 2024, from 10 am to 12 pm at 164 N. High Street, Cortland, Ohio, 44410, Lane Shafer-Winans Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow. 

Committal service and interment will directly follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, Greene, Ohio. 

To honor her love of reading and community, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made directly to The Bristol Public Library located at 1855 OH-88, Bristolville, Ohio, 44402.