Dorothy C. Higgins, 93, of North Andover, MA, and formerly of Naples, FL, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her loving children on Sunday, January 28, 2024.  Hers was a life well-lived with purpose, love, and an unwavering devotion to her family.

Affectionately known as "Dot" or "Dottie", she was born on May 31, 1930, to Mary (Tarasevich) and Cornelius Wilkins. Dot grew up in Methuen, MA, attended local schools, including Searles High School where she captained the basketball team, and went on to earn her RN degree from the St. John's Hospital School of Nursing in Lowell, MA.

Dot spent the next few years working at Bon Secours Hospital (now Holy Family) as a bedside nurse and enjoyed the excitement of assisting in the operating room.  She paused her career and spent the next 20 years raising her children. She was a faithful member of the St. Michael's Church community where she taught Sunday School and served as the neighborhood "go-to" nurse, always willing to lend a hand.  She later resumed her career as nurse and office manager for Dr. Nicholas Sannella, with whom she enjoyed working for over 15 years.

Dot treasured her family and close friends. Sundays were reserved for family, hosting our grandmothers with homemade dinners and poolside barbeques. Many happy summers were spent at Seabrook Beach.  Always active and athletic, Dot took up skiing as an adult and spent many weekends on the slopes of New Hampshire.  She was an active member of Cedardale Health & Tennis Club, along with her husband and her tennis community of friends. Dot's favorite hobby switched to golf when they retired to the golf community of Foxfire in Naples, FL.

Dot was married for over 63 years to her loving husband George R. Higgins, who predeceased her in 2018.

She is survived by her children, Barbara Koep of Thousand Oaks, CA, Patti Bado and her husband Peter of Marietta, GA, Robert Higgins and his wife Jane, of Windham, NH, and Donna Foley and her husband Ed, of Kennett Square, PA; as well as her six grandchildren, Alyson (Higgins) Wheeler, Tim Bado, Sean Bado, Melissa (Higgins) Lohmann, Patrick Higgins, and Sarah Koep; her great-grandchildren, Jackson Wheeler, Bennett Bado, Parker Bado, and Callum Wheeler.  In addition to her parents, Dot was predeceased by her brother, Raymond Wilkins.

Dot's family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the caring staff at Windham Terrace.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10AM on May 24, 2024, at St. Michaels Church, 196 Main Street, North Andover, MA.

If interested, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or another charity of your choosing.