February 27, 1937 - February 12, 2021
It is with great sadness the family of Marie Higgins announces her passing on February 12, 2021 following a short illness. Marie Higgins was born on February 27, 1937 in L'Hopital, Mousselle, France to Tekla Bojko (1904 - 1969), and Joseph Krauchuk (1900 - 1939).
Marie grew up during pre-war and war times, it was hard times and her mother had to go out of the house to work and Marie was left in the care of her beloved sister Irene Podsladlo (1929 - 1967).
Marie was raised as a Catholic and as a young girl worked at the church arranging flowers for the altar. Around the age of 10 years, Marie went to live and work on a wine farm, where she stomped grapes. Marie found work in a shop owned by a Jewish family, arranging window displays, it was there working in the window that Corporal Starleigh Gale Higgins first saw her. He was smitten and offering her rides and following her home.
Eventually his persistence won, and they started to date. They married June 22, 1956, where they resided in France on the air force base. Eventually Marie and her husband Gale moved to Nelson, British Columbia, where they raised their four children.
She and her husband spent many years travelling and spending winters in Arizona and summers at their lake home. Marie loved to keep a beautiful home and grow her flowers; she was a great baker and cook and loved to entertain and was happiest when her family was gathered around the table. Sharing food and stories was a great passion and she loved to sing and play the omnichord, for all who would listen and share.
Marie enjoyed doing crafts and loved when her grandchildren would come over for a visit and she could show and do crafts with them.
Marie moved to Salmo after her husband's death and resided in her home until shortly before her death. She shared her home with her son Sam, and he cared for her in her final days before her short time in the hospital and her passing.
Marie was predeceased by; her husband Starleigh Gale Higgins (February 22, 1934 - August 25, 1993), her daughter Marie Gail Higgins (October 25, 1963 - June 28, 1982), her parents Tekla Bojko (1900 - 1969) and Joseph Krauchuk (1900 - 1939) as well as her sister Irene Podsladlo (1929 - 1967).
Marie is survived by her sons; Robert (Birgit), John (Susan) and Claude, seven grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Her granddaughter Robyn gave birth to her great-grandson Quinn shortly before Marie passed and unfortunately, she was unable to see them.
The family would like to take this time to thank the Doctors and nurses who gave Marie such excellent care in her final days and thank you to all who have sent their condolences, food and flowers.
Andreas Schmitz of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services TM has been entrusted with arrangements.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's online register at www.myalternatives.ca
Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services