Higgins, SC, Sister Barbara (Sister Philomena Marie), a beloved Sister of Charity, Halifax for 70 years, entered peacefully into eternal life with her God on August 10, 2025 at Elizabeth Seton Residence, Wellesley, MA. The daughter of the late Cassie (Lotan) Higgins and John Joseph Higgns, Sister Barbara was born and raised in Dorchester, MA. She also was preceded in death by her only sister, Carole Higgins Leach and her stepmother, Susan Higgins, several cousins as well as her Sisters throughout the Congregation. Sister Barbara’s ministries as a Sister of Charity, Halifax, spanned the gamut of ages from
tiny tots to senior citizens. Her first thirty years saw her teaching at Saint Francis of Assisi School in Medford, MA, the former Monsignor Ryan Memorial High School in Dorchester, MA, Archbishop Williams High School in Braintree, MA and Aquinas Junior College. Newton, MA. Following this Sister Barbara served in Congregational Ministry as Formation Coordinator for the then Boston Province of the Sisters of Charity, Halifax for eight years during which time she also was a member of the Provincial Council and served on several congregational committees. Changing with the changing times, Sister Barbara turned to pastoral ministry. She served as a Pastoral Associate at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Quincy, MA where she began a Tots and Moms Program among others and then as Services Coordinator for Wollaston Lutheran Church Social Services in Quincy, MA at two Senior Citizen Homes. After retiring from active ministry, she served as an Assistant Treasurer in the Sisters of Charity Boston Office, as a volunteer in the Hospice Program at Quincy Hospital, Father Bill’s Place homeless shelter monthly meals program, Quincy and then as a member of the Wellesley Leadership Team of the Sisters of Charity at Mount Saint Vincent,Wellesley, MA. Funeral Services for Sister Barbara Higgins, SC will take place on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at Mount Saint Vincent, 125 Oakland Street, Wellesley, MA. Wake at 9:15 AM followed by a Prayer Service at 10:15 AM and the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:45 AM. Interment at Saint Mary Cemetery, Needham, MA immediately following the Mass. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Sister Barbara may be made to the Sisters of Charity, 125 Oakland Street, Wellesley, MA 02481.