We are deeply saddened to announce that Kay (Kathleen) passed away on August 14th. Kay was born on October 16,1932 in Calcutta, India.
She immigrated to Canada from Ireland in 1958. She was always a Francophile, and she thrived in Montreal. She later moved to Ottawa where her love for all things French continued. She made many wonderful friends, and their support for one another was a constant in their relationships. They made her later days comfortable. At the end, she must have thought to herself, on the basis of her circle of friends, “a life well lived”.
Kay is survived by her younger brother Aiden, his wife Emilie and their son John. She leaves behind many cousins in Ireland, some of who she was especially close to, and who made regular trips to Ottawa to spend time with their dear Kay. She leaves behind many dear friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Richard and Kathleen (Rice) Higgins, and her older brother, Denis who lived in Australia.
Kay’s service will be at Beechwood Funeral Home, 280 Beechwood Avenue, on Tuesday, August 29th at 11AM with burial and reception to follow. Burial will take place beside her mother.
In lieu of flowers, the family and friends would appreciate a donation in Kay’s name to the Parkinson’s Society of Ottawa.
Digital Guestbook
elizabeth white
Margaret Benoit
It was with dismay that I learned of the death of Kathleen Higgins whom I met in Montreal in 1963 when she and our mutual friend, Susan Salmon (formerly Matheson), worked as legal secretaries. Kay was a gentlewoman - a very pleasant, quiet, thoughtful and caring person -and she will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Sincere condolences to Kay's family and all her friends.
Margaret Benoit, Ottawa
The Rice Family, Fermoy, Co Cork, Ireland
Kay, Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam (Rest in Peace) we will all miss you so much. Thank you for always being there for us and thanks for all the great memories. Until we see you again. Sleep well Kay
We have lost a wonderful friend indeed - Kathleen was a lifelong friend for 50+ years - we met in London, England in 1972 while we were both on postings with External Affairs. Our friendship resumed back in Ottawa in New Edinburgh where we both lived for many years. Kathleen was a true "lady" always interested in her friends, ready to help and support one and all and knowledgeable on so many topics. I remember so well her love of Indian food and her Go To restaurant The Sitar - she said she could eat Indian food 7 days a week! She had a wonderful career on the Hill, Senate and Rideau Hall. I will miss her friendship. my sympathy goes out to her dear brother Aiden and sister in law Emily and son John and her many many friends - young and old. One could not have a better friend - rest in peace dear Kathleen.
Elizabeth White
Ottawa, ON