Mildred Marie Higgins

Mildred Marie Higgins, 91, of Washington, passed away peacefully in her sleep, following a brief illness, on Thursday, January 24, 2013, in the Donnell House. She was born on May 11, 1921, in Canonsburg, a daughter of Earl and Cora Amos Shrum. A lifetime resident of Washington, she attended Washington High School, until she had to drop out to help support her family during the Depression. As a child, she attended Allison Avenue Baptist Church. She was a member of North Buffalo United Presbyterian Church, and in her younger years, was very active as the Children’s Sunday School teacher. She was always proud to say that, at one time, she had 40 kids in her Sunday School Class. Mrs. Higgins also taught at the Bible School, and was the leader of the Sunday evening pre-teen young people’s group, known as The Crusaders. Mrs. Higgins worked at Duncan Miller Glass Company for several years. In later years, she worked at The Washington Company and then at Thompson’s Hardware Store, until her retirement. An avid reader, she spent many happy hours reading her books. She also loved to sing, and laugh, and spend time with her family. She especially enjoyed the family dog, Bailey, who will miss her very much. For the last 5 ½ years, she lived with her daughter, Terri, and son-in-law, David Donel. Surviving are her daughter, Terri (David) Donel, of Washington; 3 grandsons, Randall Jay (Marie) Higgins, Jr., of Washington; Timothy W. (Allison) Donel, of Columbus, OH; and Kevin J. Donel, of Massillon, OH; a great granddaughter, Ashley Higgins, a great grandson, James Gregory Donel, and a great-great granddaughter, Livia Bedillion; andseveral nieces and nephews. In October, 1939, she married Donald E. Higgins, who died in 1980. In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her son, Randall J. Higgins, Sr., a sister, Evelyn Mae Farabee, a brother, Harold Shrum, and 2 nieces, Claramae Barton and Edna Mae Fine. She was the last member of her immediate family. Friends will be received on Sunday, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., in the William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Ave., where services will be held on Monday, January 28, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in North Buffalo Cemetery.