Sister Mary Grace (Eileen Mae) Higgins, D.C. died peacefully at her home in St. Louise House, Albany, New York on October 27, 2023. Eileen Mae Higgins was born on October 26, 1928 in Buffalo, New York to Gordon Robert 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. In 1963, she received her B.S. in Education and a certificate in Early Childhood Education from Tuft’s University, Medford, Massachusetts. She also earned her M.S. in Education Administration from State University of New York, Albany in 1974.
Sister served in Massachusetts, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Michigan and 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, and 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, serving as a volunteer for Cuddling Babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Sister Mary Grace was predeceased by her parents and her brother Richard and his wife Alice. Her great pride and joy were 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. She will be greatly missed by family, friends and her Sisters in Community.
A Wake service was held for Sister Mary Grace on November 2 and her Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on November 3. Interment was at St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands, New York.
Donations may be made to the Daughters of Charity, 4330 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63108.