R.I.P Sister Barbara Francis Higgins, O.Carm.
Sister Barbara Francis Higgins who, after a very long illness, passed away peacefully at St. Patrick’s Manor, Framingham, MA, on the night of February 8, 2025, in the 64th year of her religious life. Sr. M. Kathleen John had been praying at Sr. Barbara’s bedside just prior to her passing.
Barbara Francis Higgins entered the world on November 13, 1933, in New Bedford, MA. She was the second of three children born to Leo and Dorothy (nee Francis) Higgins. Her father was born in Massachusetts, and her mother was born in Portugal. Sr. Barbara’s older sister, Sr. Marie de Prague, RSM, predeceased her, and she is survived by her younger brother, Anthony Higgins, and his family. Before entering the Congregation, Sr. Barbara graduated from St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in Bedford, MA, and served in the United States Air Force, Nurse Corps, as a 1st Lieutenant.
Sr. Barbara entered the Congregation on September 7, 1961, and upon receiving the Habit took the name Sr. M. Anthony Joseph, later returning to her baptismal name. She professed First Vows on April 1, 1964, and Perpetual Vows on December 8, 1969. Her missions included Mount Carmel Home (NY), Mary Manning Walsh Home, St. Teresa’s Motherhouse, Mount Carmel Nursing Home (NH), Caroll Manor, Ferncliff Nursing Home, Ozanam Hall, St. Joseph’s Manor, and Marian Manor. Due to failing health, Sr. Barbara was admitted to St. Patrick’s Manor in 2015. Her ministry over the years included Postulant Director, Assistant Novice Director, Director of Nursing, R.N. Supervisor, Staff Nurse, and Certified Chaplain.
A prayerful and zealous Religious who lived community life well, Sr. Barbara’s long trial of illness gives testimony to her patience in suffering, and to her lifetime commitment to the Lord and to her Carmelite vocation. May her courageous carrying of the Cross, and the good and honorable deeds of her lifetime, merit for Sr. Barbara Francis Higgins the unending joy and fullness of eternal life!
WAKE
Saturday, February 15, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Holy Family Chapel
St. Patrick’s Manor
863 Central Street
Framingham, MA 01701
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Saturday, February 15, 2025
10:00 a.m.
Holy Family Chapel
St. Patrick’s Manor
BURIAL
Saturday, February 15, 2025
2:30 p.m.
Queen of Carmel Cemetery
St. Teresa’s Motherhouse
600 Woods Road
Germantown, NY 12526