Catherine J. Higgins

On Wednesday, February 17th, 2021, Catherine Julia Higgins, loving wife to Douglas and mother of two children, passed into the realm of eternity at the age of 64, from cancer. Cathy was born in Flushing, Queens, and raised by grandparents Jessie Brooks-Etherington, Fred Etherington and Nanny Mary McConnell. She grew up with Aunt Nancy, Connie, and Jane, and their families as a devoted sister, cousin and "Aunt Cathy" to all. Adored sister of Fred Cain and his wife Karen, Diane Paradiso and her husband Ralph, Annmaire Abriola and her husband Bobby, Elizabeth Burke, Rosemarie Burke and her partner Mike, James Burke and the late Danielle Burke. She held especially close relationships with cousins, Peggy Brehm, Lynn and Lorraine Fitzpatrick and many extended family members. Cathy and her ex-husband Tom Bazata adopted Jessie Kaye, wife to Marco, and Thomas Bazata, fiancé to Deanna Lupinacci, from Seoul, Korea, providing them with a beautiful, full life. She lived by the adoption creed, “You did not grow under my heart, but in it.” She loved children, her nieces, nephews, God children and was always there for the births, christenings, and caretaking of any child of family and friends. Known as “Mahmar” to Miles, Wyatt, Vincent Kaye and Deanna’s son, Anthony.

She worked at the Comsewogue School District for twenty four years, starting in the mail room, running the switchboard, working her way up to transportation coordinator, performing all of her jobs with a bright smile. Cathy loved hosting guests for Thanksgiving and Christmas, dressing the little ones in matching pajamas for pictures by the fire. She would warm blankets in the dryer to make you feel at home, always with a pot of tea brewing and homemade dessert to accompany great conversation. Cathy had coffee and donuts at the table ready for family for all their special events in their life and was the first to show up for her loving family and friends with the most generous heart. Her entire community, close friends Deb Debs, Kim, Linda, Terry and Maurissa, will miss her selfless giving and ready smile.

Arrangements entrusted to O.B. Davis Funeral Homes, 4839 Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station, LI. Memorial visitation on Sunday, February 28th and Monday, March 1st from 4-8 PM. Prayer service Monday at 7 PM.