Ann Marie Higgins

Ann was born in 1940 in Bakersfield, California to Dr. John J. McCarthy and Georgia Dworak McCarthy, both originally from Nebraska, and was the devoted older sister to her two brothers, John and Pat.

While growing up in Bakersfield, Ann attended St. Joseph Catholic School and Garces Memorial High School, Bakersfield Junior College and then moved on to San Jose State College, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1963. She married Robert (Bob) Higgins in 1964 and shared 59 years of devoted and joyful marriage, raising her two sons, Brian and Jeff, in Clovis, California.

Ann taught at Tarpey Elementary School, inspiring thousands of students for 38 years. She was known for her warmth, kindness, and genuine care for her students and as a mentor for her fellow teachers. Ann spent many hours involved in school activities including spirit coordinator and track coach. She was honored at her retirement in 2004 by the dedicating of the Higgins Library Media Center at Tarpey Elementary.

Ann enjoyed a long, active retirement, traveling the world and spending time with family and friends. Ann was an avid fan of the Fresno State women’s basketball team where her group of friends became known as the “pizza ladies” because they won so many pizzas due to their enthusiastic support of the team. Ann had a very active social life, playing bridge and bunco regularly then enjoying lunches out with her friends.

Ann particularly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, going on adventures to Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, family camping trips and family game nights and her own special game called “Getting Lost,” taking the grandchildren on drives with no particular destination in mind.

A woman of deep faith, Ann was a lifelong and devoted member of the Catholic Church and an active parishioner at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. She was a member of OLPH’s Silver Fox organization and volunteered at the church counting the offerings each week. Her faith guided her life and was evident in her generosity, humility, and unwavering love for others.

Ann was preceded in death by her husband Bob, her son Brian, and her brother Pat. She is survived by her brother, John McCarthy, her son Jeff and wife Barbara Higgins, and her grandchildren Matthew, Kyle and Brooke Higgins.

Ann will be remembered for her love of family, her enduring friendships, and her kind empathy towards all people. Ann’s life was one of joy, devotion, and service. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and forever remembered by those whose lives she touched.

Ann was a staunch supporter of St. Jude hospital for Children for those who would like to make a donation in her memory in lieu of flowers.