Sr. Mary Grace Higgins, Dc

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MENANDS - Sister Mary Grace (Eileen Mae) Higgins, D.C. died peacefully at her home in St. Louise House, Menands, on October 27, 2023.

Eileen Mae Higgins was born on October 26, 1928 in Buffalo, NY to Robert Gordon and Grace Elizabeth (Fletcher) Higgins. She had one younger brother, Richard.

Sister Mary Grace graduated from Mt. Mercy Academy in 1946. She met the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent DePaul at Sisters Hospital in Buffalo, where she was working. She was accepted into the Community after an initial formation in December 1946.

Most of Sister’s ministry involved children. She received a Bachelor degree and a certificate from Tuft’s University, Medford, MA. She also received a Masters degree in Education Administration from State University of New York, Albany.

Sister served in Massachusetts, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Michigan, New York.  In later years she worked in a Parish, a hospital and with other groups that take their inspiration from St. Vincent DePaul.  She served as Spiritual Moderator of the Ladies of Charity in Buffalo for ten years.

Sister Mary Grace was an accomplished artist who shared her talents in classes for her fellow retired Sisters at St. Louise House. She helped many to discover unknown artistic talent.

Throughout her nearly 77 years of service, Sister Mary Grace received several recognition awards. She was most pleased with the Caritas Award from Sisters Hospital in Buffalo, for being a volunteer for Cuddling Babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Sister was predeceased by her parents and her brother Richard and his wife Alice.  Her great pride and joy was in her nieces and nephews, Nancy A. Higgins, Richard (Marge), Maureen (Raymond) Telles, Gregory (Barbara), and Patrick.  She proudly spoke of the grand nieces and nephews and displayed photos as they came along.

Sister will be greatly missed by family, friends and her Sisters in Community.

A wake service will be held for Sister Mary Grace on Thursday, November 2, from 4-7 pm, at DePaul Chapel 96 Menand Rd., Menands, NY.  Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday November 3 at 10:30 am.in DePaul Chapel. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands, NY.

Donations may be made to the Daughters of Charity, 4330 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63108.