Dorothy E. Higgins, 102, longtime Concord resident and beloved community member, left this earth peacefully on November 16, 2021. Affectionately known as "Dot", she lived a rich and full life. She was the wife of the late J. Barry Higgins who died in 1996.
Born in Lowell on January 29, 1919, she was the daughter of the late James and Katherine (Kelleher) Ogston. Dot grew up in Tewksbury, graduating from the local high school in 1936. She graduated from Lowell State Teachers College in 1940, earning her degree in education. Her first love was Edward Barry, who was sadly classified as MIA during World War II. She met her second love, Barry Higgins, on a blind date set up by her cousin, Elinor (Mahoney) Condon. The couple coincidentally shared the same birth date, and were married on September 20, 1947. The newlywed's lived on Main Street and Commonwealth Avenue, before settling on Laws Brook Road.
Dot's passion for education led to a career spanning decades. She initially taught at Ella Fleming Elementary School in Tewksbury, followed by Harvey Wheeler and Thoreau Schools in West Concord, until retiring in 1983. She impacted countless young lives, and her students adored her. As summer began when the school year concluded, it was time for two weeks of vacation in Brewster. The family spent many Sunday's on "mystery rides" which would often end at a natural wonder or bird sanctuary. In her 50's, she started traveling extensively throughout the world. She was joined on trips to Europe, Egypt, Italy, Greece, Morocco, Japan and China by a travel group, including close friend and colleague Dot Prendergast.
Dot was actively involved in the Town of Concord, serving on many committees and boards. She belonged to The Milldames, West Concord Women's Club and Emerson Hospital Auxillary. She volunteered for many community events such as the West Concord Family Festival, Picnic in the Park, and for the Concord Museum. Dot's local column for the Concord Journal, "Junketing Around the Junction" was originally written by her husband, Barry, though she often assisted him. Upon his passing, Dot proudly continued the admired column, writing about local businesses, clubs, and all the comings and goings.
To her family and close friends, Dot will be remembered as the "Energizer Bunny" because she was always on the go. She treasured her home on the picturesque Warner's Pond, and enjoying all aspects of nature, especially birdwatching. She was a member of the Massachusetts Audubon Society. An avid Red Sox fan, Dot was delighted when the team finally clinched the World Series in 2004.
Those left behind to cherish her memory include two devoted children, Tricia Manley and her husband Chuck, Mark Higgins and his wife Maribeth, her grandchild, Rachael Manley, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. She was also the sister of the late Mary Long.
Family and friends will celebrate Dot's life during visiting hours on Sunday, November 28th from 3 to 6 pm in the Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord Center. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, November 29th at 10 am in Holy Family Parish, Monument Square, Concord Center. Burial will follow at St. Bernard's Cemetery in Concord. At her family's request, all attendees are asked to wear masks.
Concord's Town Flag will fly at half-staff on Monday, November 29th in honor of Dot being named Concord's Honored Citizen in 2007, a recognition she was immensely proud of.
Contributions in her memory may be made to
The Scholarship Fund of Concord and Carlisle
, 34 Walden Street, Unit 217, Concord, MA 01742 or
Emerson Health Care Foundation
, 133 ORNAC, Concord, MA 01742.
Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.