Eileen Esther Higgins

Eileen Esther Higgins, 97, of Sarasota, FL, stepped into Eternity to be with her Lord and Savior, Saturday, September 5, 2020. She was born in Elkhart County, Indiana December 31, 1922 to Ralph Sanford Kendall and Cecil Marie (nee Whitehead) Kendall.

Eileen was a 1940 graduate of Elkhart High School, in Elkhart, IN. She worked for Penn Electric in Goshen until her marriage to the love of her life, Devon F. Higgins, in June of 1942. Her really rough spot in life, was being alone as he served our country for nearly 3 years during WWII, in the South Pacific.

The family moved to Ashland, OH in the mid 50’s where her children grew up. In 1970, she and Devon moved to Sarasota, FL. She went to work for Teleflex Electronics in 1971 where she worked until her retirement in 1988. Being a devout Christian, she devoted much of her time to the First Brethren Church in Sarasota, serving as a Deaconess and on many committees, through the years. Was active in the Ladies Circle. She loved working in the yard, reading and doing many crafts. She also loved most spending time with her family and many friends. She loved holidays, always having a houseful of family and anyone else who needed a place to be. Then New Years Eve when we celebrated her birthday each year. One never saw her without a smile, and she loved being able to help anyone who needed it.

She is survived by one son, who lovingly cared for her, at home for a number of years, Rickey Higgins, of Sarasota and two daughters who assisted him, Sharon (Paul) Hess, of Sarasota and Wendy (Joseph) Arena, of Bradenton.

She is survived by grandsons, Steven Hess, of Volcano, HI and Anthony (Amy) Arena, of Port Richey, FL and granddaughter, Mandy (George) Kovacs, of Sarasota. Great grand children, James Crain III, Joey Arena, Kaitlyn, Shane and Ashley Ferrier, Mark and Szilard Kovacs. One sister survives, sister Carolyn (Tom) Bunger, Walnut Creek, CA and one sister in law, Shirley Bowers of Wakarusa, IN and many nieces and nephews. She dearly loved all if them and often recalled special occasions when she was with them through the years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one sister and two brothers.

A funeral service for Eileen will be held Saturday, September 12, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM with a Funeral Service starting at noon with Rev. Elizabeth Turk officiating at Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL 34232. Following the funeral service will be a burial Palms Memorial Park. Memorial donations can be made to Tidewell Hospice 5955 Rand Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34238.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmsrobartsfuneralhome.com for the Higgins family.