Jacquelyn "Jackie" (Thornton) Higgins, 80, longtime resident of Concord, Massachusetts passed away on Friday March 16, 2012 peacefully with her family by her side. She was predeceased by her husband Jerome S. Higgins who passed away in 2002. She is survived by her children Stephen Higgins of Francestown, New Hampshire, Douglas Higgins of Chelmsford, Mark Higgins of Tumuning, Philippines, Jonathan Higgins of Amesbury, and Caitlin Woods of Concord, and seven grandchildren. She leaves her sister, Rita Lyons of Kingston, Massachusetts. Born in Quincy in 1931, Jackie graduated from Quincy High School class of 1950 then went on to become a Registered Nurse after graduating with the class of 1953 from Massachusetts General Hospital. While raising her kids, Jackie obtained multiple degrees including: an Associates Degree in Science (1973) and a Bachelor of Science in Health Science (1978) from Northeastern University; a Masters of Education (1981) from Fitchburg State College; and, a Master of Science in Nursing (1986) from Anna Maria College. During this time, she also worked as an Admitting Psychiatric Nurse and as a Registered Nurse with the Veteran Administration Hospital in Bedford. Jackie was a well-educated, independent and strong spirit engaged in public life and social issues and she had a deep appreciation for history and the arts. She was an early and active advocate for women's rights and was a founding member of the women's right group, Louisa Alcott Women in Society (LAWS). For a time, she was also a political correspondent for the Concord Journal and syndicated columnist for Ladies Home Journal. She was also certified as a Concord Historic Tour Guide. Jackie was physically active and enjoyed golfing, kayaking, and walks throughout Concord, and summers on Cape Cod or in Maine. Visiting hours will be held at Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord, Massachusetts on Thursday, March 22 from 4 to 7 pm. A reception for friends and relatives will follow at the Colonial Inn. In lieu of flowers, gifts in her name may be made to The Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Road, P.O. Box 146, Concord, Massachusetts 01742 or by accessing their website at www.concordmuseum.org/give. Arrangements under the care of Charles W. Dee, Jr. and Susan M. Dee, Directors, Dee Funeral Home of Concord. To share a memory or offer a condolence visit www.deefuneralhome.com. Cemetery: Private burial in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord. Visitation: Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, March 22nd from 4 to 7 PM in the Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord Center.