Sonya Ann Higgins

On Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 11:30 p.m., our Mother, Grandmother (Babička), Sister, Aunt, Cousin, Sister-in-law, and dear Friend, Sonya Ann Higgins, peacefully surrendered her soul into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her grandson, Collin Higgins, and her son, Vince Higgins, were blessed to be by her side as she entered eternal life.

Sonya was born on February 1, 1942, in Lakewood, Ohio, to George Martin and Eva Marie Beno. She was the youngest of three children, a first-generation American, and the first woman in her family to graduate from college. This accomplishment was made even more remarkable by the fact that English was her second language, as Slovak was spoken in her childhood home. Sonya spent her early years in Lakewood, attending Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church with her family. There she began her lifelong journey through Catholic education, ultimately graduating from Notre Dame College of Ohio. Her love of learning led her to a career in education, where she taught in the Cleveland Municipal School District and later at Catholic elementary schools in both the Cleveland, Ohio, and Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas, areas.

After a recent conversation with Fr. Zach, my sister Angel, my niece Rachel, and my wife Deborah and I were reminded of just how deeply our mother loved her family and friends, cherished her Catholic faith, and treasured her parents’ homeland of Czechoslovakia, particularly the region now known as the Slovak Republic following its independence on January 1, 1993.

Our mother spoke and wrote Slovak fluently and often spent hours talking with relatives in Slovakia. She kept Slovak books and publications throughout our home and took great pride in preserving the language and traditions passed down by her parents. Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. She faithfully attended Mass, often inviting her granddaughters Rachel and Claire to accompany her, and found great peace spending time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

Sonya learned to cook at an early age and poured her heart into every meal she prepared. Whether it was a simple family dinner or a holiday celebration, she delighted in bringing everyone together around the table. She lovingly prepared traditional Slovak dishes including halušky, halupki, sauerkraut with klobása, homemade koláče, maková rolka (poppy seed roll), and our father’s favorite, orechová rolka (nut roll). During Vianoce (Christmas) and Veľká noc (Easter), she faithfully continued the cherished family tradition of sharing Oplatky before the holiday meal, passing along both her faith and Slovak heritage to future generations.

Sonya met and married her lifelong companion, best friend, and husband, Jim, while they were both working at the Cleveland Public Library on Superior Avenue in downtown Cleveland. They began their married life in Lakewood, Ohio, before moving to Cinnaminson, New Jersey, and eventually settled in Colleyville, Texas, in 1974. There they designed, built, and lovingly cared for the family home where they lived for nearly five decades.

As a young woman, Sonya excelled academically and earned a scholarship to attend Notre Dame College of Ohio. At one point she even considered joining the Sisters of Notre Dame, whose example as teachers and mentors greatly influenced her life. She loved reading, volunteering at parish events, and spending time with friends enjoying ice cream and chocolate at Malley’s, where she and Jim had often shared burgers and ice cream while dating and working at the Cleveland Public Library.

In 1982, Sonya began a new chapter in her professional life by joining the Internal Revenue Service. Although the transition from teaching seemed daunting at first, she found the work rewarding and faithfully served until her retirement in 2007.

During retirement, Sonya remained actively involved in serving both her Church and community. She volunteered as a poll worker with the Tarrant County Elections Commission because she believed deeply in the democratic process and voters’ rights. She also generously served through Stephen Ministry in numerous leadership roles and was a proud member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Martha 2323, where she faithfully served as Regent, Vice Regent, Secretary, and Treasurer. Throughout her life she remained a devoted parishioner of Good Shepherd Catholic Community in Colleyville, attending daily Mass whenever possible and spending quiet moments in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

Sonya was a wonderful mother, devoted wife, gracious member of her extended family, and loyal friend. Yet she was perhaps happiest in her role as Babička. She cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren and step-granddaughter, celebrating their accomplishments, comforting them during life’s disappointments, and lovingly caring for them whenever she was needed. Nothing brought her greater joy than being surrounded by her family.

Above all, Sonya’s greatest vocation was loving her family. She quietly demonstrated her faith through countless acts of generosity, hospitality, encouragement, and unconditional love that will continue to live on in those who knew her.

Sonya is survived by her daughter, Angel; her son, Vince, and his wife, Deborah; her beloved grandchildren, Rachel, Claire, Collin, and Serena; her niece, Diane; her nephews, Dennis and David; her sisters-in-law; and many other cherished family members and dear friends.

Receive her soul and present her to God the Most High. May Christ, who called her, welcome her to Himself; may the angels lead her to Abraham’s side. Receive her soul and present her to God the Most High. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her forever.

Náša požehnaná Matka, spite pokojne v náručí nášho Pána a Spasiteľa Ježiša Krista. Kým sa opäť neuvidíme, Boh vám žehnaj a daj vám odpočinok.

Thank you all so much for your love, prayers, kind words, and support during this incredibly difficult time. It has meant more to our family than I can express.

For those who have asked about the services, everyone is welcome to join us.

Good Shepherd Catholic Community

1000 Tinker Road

Colleyville, TX 76034

❤️ Rosary Service

Sunday, August 9 at 5:30 PM

❤️ Funeral Mass

Monday, August 10 at 11:00 AM

Refreshments will be served at the church following the Funeral Mass. We would love for you to stay and spend time with our family afterward.

Thank you again for your love, support, and continued prayers. They have been such a comfort to us