Josephine Sarah Higgins

August 18, 1938 to January 18, 2026

Josephine was a proud Cape Bretoner who carried on the traditions of family, hospitality, resilience, service and a love for fiddle music and dancing. No stranger to hard work, Josephine grew up on the family farms, became a teacher and after her retirement at DND became the manager of the St. Vincent de Paul store in Sidney.

Ron and Josephine moved their young family to Sidney 55 years ago. Among her first tasks was to establish her garden, which she tended, along with her flower beds and fruit trees, until her last days. Josephine was an enthusiastic participant in her community and her parish and will be missed by many who enjoyed her company and her zest for life.

Tragedy found Josephine many times in her life; most profoundly when she was widowed at 33 with four young children. Mom should be proud of the life she forged for her young family with fortitude and grace. She was fiercely proud of her children, and was admired by many for her extraordinary resilience and contributions to her family and community. We were fortunate to spend a lot of time with mom and she was surrounded by all four children on the day she died.

Travel brought her great happiness, especially her trips back home to connect with family, friends, and the rich traditions of Cape Breton. In her later years, Josephine enthusiastically travelled to many places across the world with her sisters and daughters.

Survived by her children Curtis, Colleen (Nick), Carla and Claire; siblings Marian MacDonald in Wayland, MA, Jeanette MacNeil in Port Hood and Donald (Judy) MacEachen in Long Point; grandchildren, Chad, Terrance (Bonnie), Desmond, Mackenzie and great grandchildren Kieran, Kaden and Callen.

Predeceased by her husband Ronald Higgins of Wakefield, Quebec; parents Dan Joe and Ida MacEachen, sisters Maureen, Lorna, Donna and Phyllis; niece Natasha MacEachen; nephews Terry and Gene Cartier; in-laws Ronald MacDonald, Ranald MacDonald and Cyril MacNeil; Keith, Lois and Fern Stevenson; Clayton, Doris, Shirley, Dale, Gayle and Bryan Higgins.

A Memorial Mass will be held February 23, 11:00 at St. Elizabeth’s Church 10030 Third Street in Sidney with a reception to follow.

Rest easy mamma.