Artie M. (Hopkins) Higgins

Artie M. (Hopkins) Higgins, 89, died peacefully on August 8, 2023, at home, surrounded by her family.

Artie is survived by her five children: John Higgins and his wife Linda of Ware, Noreen Stockman of Ashland, Patrick Higgins and his partner Nancy Rose of Feeding Hills, Moire Riley and her partner Randall Richardson of Timonium, MD, and Dennis Higgins and his wife Barbara of Worcester, as well as 10 treasured grandchildren: Matthew Higgins, Brice, Keith, and Jacqueline Stockman, Carlyn Higgins, Meredith, Caden and Brannen Riley, and Julianne and Jenna Higgins.

Artie was the devoted wife of the late Dr. Lemuel W. Higgins, and grandmother of the late Michael Higgins.

She was born in Garrett, Indiana, to Edna P. (Zigler) and Walter S. Hopkins. Artie was a graduate of Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing (1955) in Chicago, where she met her husband. They spent three years at Ft. Campbell, KY (U.S. Army), then settled in Worcester.

In addition to raising five children, Artie was an ardent volunteer, beginning with student nurses at St. Vincent’s Hospital, followed by the Worcester public schools, and as a Girl Scout troop leader.

She was a fierce advocate for children with learning disabilities and special needs. Artie ultimately returned to Worcester State University for her degree. She worked for many years with the Federation for Children with Special Needs, and later became a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, always striving to improve lives for young children.

Artie adored her children and grandchildren. She was an avid reader, walker, and gardener, with a flair for interior design and fashion. She instilled a love of nature in her children.

Calling hours will take place Friday, August 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral will be Saturday, August 19, with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant St., Worcester. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in Artie’s memory may be made to Abby’s House; shelter, housing and advocacy for women and children in need: www.abbyshouse.org.

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