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Sr. Mary Etta Higgins
In Memory of
Sr. Mary Etta
Higgins
1940 - 2017
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Obituary for Sr. Mary Etta Higgins

Sr. Mary Etta  Higgins
Sister Mary Etta Higgins of the Sisters of Mercy died unexpectedly at her home in West Hartford on April 24, 2017.Born in New York City on October 20, 1940 of the late Dr. Harold G. and Elizabeth (McGuire) Higgins, she was raised in Milford. Mary Etta graduated from the University of Colorado and taught at her alma mater, Lauralton Hall prior to becoming a sister. Sister Mary Etta entered the Sisters of Mercy on August 25, 1963 and professed her vows on June 26, 1966. She successfully taught science for the next two decades at Mt. St. Joseph Academy, West Hartford, Sacred Heart High School, Waterbury and Mercy High School, Middletown. In addition to teaching at Mercy High, she served as Dean of Students through 1989. Sister was a perpetual student, earning a NSF grant in science and mathematics at Bucknell University, and did advanced study at Southern CT State University and University of St. Joseph. She was actively engaged on the Board of Trustees at Mercy Housing and Shelter in Hartford and at Lauralton Hall in Milford. Sister received numerous awards for her outstanding life and ministry achievements. After 25 years in secondary education, Sister was called to minister in healthcare, assuming several, responsible roles within Sisters of Mercy administration. In 2006 she was elected Life and Ministry Administrator for the Sisters of Mercy in CT, joyfully serving until her retirement in 2014. She then became a frequent volunteer among the retired community of her sisters, devoting countless hours to unselfish giving and listening. Caring for those in need regardless of age, providing comfort and wisdom, being of service generously sprinkled with kindness, laughter and understanding were hallmarks of her expansive spirit. She was greatly loved and is already sorely missed by all who became beneficiaries of her tender heart. A botanist, hiker, camper and naturalist, Mary Etta was drawn to the out of doors to contemplate all of God’s creation and harvest its bountiful yield. Sister Mary Etta is predeceased by her parents and brothers- in- law, Steve Porter and Bill Gladfelter. She is survived by siblings Anne H. Porter of CA, Harold (Buzz) and wife, Kathleen Higgins of CA, Elizabeth Gladfelter of MA., several nieces and nephews, four grandnephews, one grandniece and her grateful community of the Sisters of Mercy, especially close friend Sister Elizabeth (Corky) de Manbey with whom she lived, dear friend Sister Peggy O’Neill and upstairs housemate Sister Barbara Allaire. A memorial Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday, May 13 at 1:30p.m. at St. Mark the Evangelist Church,467 South Quaker Lane, West Hartford, CT 06119. Burial will take place on Monday at 9:00a.m. in St. Mary Cemetery, West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial gift in Sister’s name are asked to consider Sisters of Mercy, 55 E. Cedar St. Newington, CT 06111. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com.
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