Theodora J. "Theo" Higgins, 58, of Hatzenbuhler Road, Broadalbin, died at home on Tuesday evening, May 15, 2012, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in the Bronx on March 2, 1954, a daughter of George and Theodora Pifko, and received most of her education in parochial schools in New York City. Theo moved to Broadalbin in 1971 for her senior year and was a 1972 graduate of Broadalbin High School. In 1976, she earned a bachelor of science degree in education from SUNY at Plattsburgh. Mrs. Higgins began her teaching career in elementary education at the Broadalbin Central School District in 1978 and was employed as a teacher at the Broadalbin-Perth School District. She was a well-respected educator and had a huge impact on numerous students throughout her career. Theo had the gift of reaching students and making them strive and achieve.
She was a member of the B-P PTSO, the B-P Teacher's Association and the Broadalbin Youth Commission, where she served as a past president. Theo enjoyed working for and with the children and always dreamed that a recreational park for the youth commission would become a reality.
She was a member of St. Joseph's Church.
Theo absolutely loved the outdoors and was happiest as she spent time hiking, fishing and camping with family and friends. Her family was the core of her being and she was completely devoted to them. She and Jim were true soulmates, each completing the other, and always enjoying their real love story. Theo was a hippie at heart and had such a zest for life. She was an avid Mets fan and had a huge collection of anything Mets.
She is survived by her husband, James N. Higgins Sr., whom she married on August 6, 1977; three sons, James N. (Nicole) Higgins Jr. of Perth, Jeromy N. Higgins of Broadalbin, and Joshua N. Higgins of Gunnerson, Colo.; her mother, Theodora Pifko of Broadalbin; a brother, George (Carol) Pifko, Jr. of Broadalbin; two sisters, Christine Hayes (Frank Blanchard) and Joyce (Robert) Uebrick, all of Broadalbin; several aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 10:15 a.m. at the Robert M. Halgas Funeral Home Inc., 111 County Highway 106 (Corner of Route 29 and Black Street), Johnstown, followed by a concelebrated Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, 7 North Street, Broadalbin, by Rev. Neil Draves-Arpaia and Rev. Thomas Morrette. Burial will be in at St. Basil's Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Theo's family prefers that memorial contributions be made to the Broadalbin Town Park Improvement Reserve, which will be applied to the Youth Commission Sports Complex, in care of the funeral home.
