Jane Ann Higgins

Passed away on November 17, 2012, at the age of 85. Jane was born in Philadelphia, PA on May 9, 1927, and has been a resident of Fresno since 1964, though she always considered herself a Philadelphian.

Blessed with a beautiful voice, Jane became a successful, professional classical singer. Jane sang for the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and the highlight of her career was performing for President Dwight Eisenhower and Mrs. Eisenhower.

Jane was married to love of her life, Wayne Higgins in 1951. Their love story continued long after the passing of Wayne in 1997. Jane was always by Wayne’s side. She moved to Madera CA, in 1957, when Wayne was transferred to Naval recruiting duty. Living all her life in Philadelphia, coming to Madera was quit the cultural shock in 1957 However; she soon loved living there. She became involved in the community lending her singing talents for many events.

In 1962, Wayne was transferred to Fresno, and again Jane embraced her new home town. She joined her church choir and soon became the director. She formed both a children choir and bell choir. When Wayne went into real estate, Jane also became a real estate agent and eventually earned her broker license. When Wayne joined the San Joaquin Valley Shriners, Jane again was by his side and jumped in with both feet. For many years, Jane opened her home for Shrine parties often hosting more than 300 guests in her backyard. Jane was the first women in the history of the Valley Shrine Clowns to be given the honor of Honorary Clown.

Jane was a proud member of the Ladies of the Oriental Shrine, and Daughters of the Nile where once again she lent her voice and talents to both organizations. She was the Nile choir director for 20 years.

Jane is survived by her daughter Pamela Higgins and son Jonathan Higgins. Both of us were blessed with the best parents any child could ever hope for. Whatever we were involved with, both Jane and Wayne were also involved with us. They taught us the lessons of life and how to become a good person not just by their words, but in their everyday actions. They supported us, trusted us, and provided for our future in so many, many ways. We both hope we have, and will continue be, the persons our parents were.

Jane used a quote when our father passed away and we think it is also appropriate today

“The strife is o’er, the battle done

“The Victory of life is won;

The song of triumph has begun.

Alleluia!”

We would like to thank our mother’s long term caregivers who allowed her to stay in her own home, Hope, Felicia, Mia and Nicky. Without them, we would have been lost.

We would also like to thank Dr. Linda Bartell and Dr Schuerman-Gen, both of whom have never forgotten that the soul of a patient is just as important as the body. We thank them for being there for us as well as for Jane. Our family was blessed to have them both!

There will be no memorial services. Remembrances may be made to the

“Tehran Shrine Transportation Fund”

5407 E. Olive, Fresno, CA 93727-2500 or

Hinds Hospice

1616 W. Shaw, Ste. A-5

Fresno, CA 93711