Bernice Mary Higgins

Bernice M. (Davis) Higgins, 85, formerly of Altamonte Springs, Florida and Lowell, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on November 28, 2020 in Bedford, New Hampshire after a long illness. Bernice was born March 5, 1935, in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of Albert and Sara (Khabaz) Davis. Bernice was predeceased by her loving husband of 55 years, William T. Higgins.

Bernice grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where she graduated from Fort Hamilton High School, she also graduated from Ballard Secretarial School and subsequently worked for The American Red Cross. She married her husband William (Bill) in 1956 and they moved to Massachusetts in 1958. She lived in Lowell, Massachusetts for many years, raising her family. She obtained her Real Estate License in 1975; she then was employed by Office Specialists in Burlington, Massachusetts, AVCO in Wilmington, Massachusetts and then Visidyne, Inc. in Burlington, Massachusetts until her retirement. Also, during her time in Lowell, she was immensely involved in the League of Women Voters; Bernice was also instrumental and worked tirelessly to have Lowell, Massachusetts awarded and recognized as an All-American City in 1971.

Bernice was devout congregant of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church of Lowell, Massachusetts and was an active member of the church choir. Bernice and Bill moved to Altamonte Springs, Florida in 1990 to retire. She was active in her Homeowners Association, The Central Florida Stroke Club and The American Heart Association. In 2018 she moved to New Hampshire due to health issues.

An avid reader, especially of mysteries, Bernice was known to read about 4-5 books at time, and was a master of crossword puzzles, but particularly enjoyed the Sunday New York Times Crossword. She was so adept she would complete the puzzles in ink. Bernice loved to travel including trips to Syria, the Holy Land, Mexico, many countries in Europe and throughout the United States and Canada.

Bernice was predeceased by her brother Albert Davis, Jr. also of Brooklyn, New York. Bernice is survived by her daughter Paula Higgins and her husband Donald O’Sullivan of Bow, New Hampshire; Christine Strules of Dracut, Massachusetts and William and Sharon Higgins of Shirley, Massachusetts. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: John Janowicz, Benjamin Luppi, Sara Luppi, Jenifer Mondazzi Strong, Kevin O’Sullivan, Paul O’Sullivan, Karen O’Sullivan, and Elizabeth O’Sullivan, along with several great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. For many years Bernice and her husband Bill were cared for by Nadine Hood, now of Texas, who was a companion, health care worker and good friend.

A private service will be held on Friday December 4, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, remembrance donations can be made to The Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.