Jean D. Higgins of Fishkill, NY passed into eternal rest with family at her side on Monday, October 2, 2023 after a long illness. She was 88.

She is survived by four sons and their families – Dr. Joseph Jr. (Teresa) of Bolton, MA, Stephen (Maureen) of Brussels, Belgium, Timothy (Sara) of Marlboro, NY, and Michael (Siobhan) of Berkeley Heights, NJ. Jean was predeceased by her beloved son, James Higgins, in 1996, her loving husband Joseph J. Higgins Sr. in 1997, her younger sister, Regina Toolan, in 2007 and her younger brother, James Davis Jr., in 2020.

Jean was born November 8, 1934 in the Bronx, NY to James E. Davis, Sr. (1909-1979), and Yvonne Gervais Davis (1913-2008). She is survived by her younger sister, Yvonne "Bunny" Higgins of Florida, and her youngest brother, Gerald E. Davis, of Stone Ridge, NY. Jean is survived by eleven grandchildren – all Higgins's - who she inspired by her independence and fortitude – Joseph J. III, Kalyn, Zachary, Ryan, Sage, Aidan, Mairead, Michael, John, Tara, and Clare. A great grandchild, Magnolia Higgins, was all smiles in her recent visits with her Great Grandmother. Additionally, Jean is survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews of the Higgins, Davis, McIlvenny, Toolan, and Corkery families.

Jean was a parishioner of Our Lady of Angels Church in the Bronx in the 1940s and 1950s where her father, James, was a faithful employee of that parish. She graduated from Cathedral High School in 1952 with honors, and then worked for the New York Telephone Company until 1955. She married Joseph Higgins of Inwood, NY in 1955. Jean has been a lifelong resident of Fishkill since 1962, where she and her husband, Joe, raised their five boys. Jean was a devout parishioner of St. Mary, Mother of the Church in Fishkill for six decades where she taught CCD in the 1970s. Jean's unrelenting love and support has been a source of strength for her sons their entire lives. Her laughter and constant presence will be missed by all.

Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 6 at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 7 at St. Mary, Mother of the Church, 106 Jackson Street, Fishkill, NY. Interment will follow at Fishkill Rural Cemetery, 801 Route 9, Fishkill, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jean's name to: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation ; The Visiting Nurse Association Health Group ; or The Dutchess County SPCA .

For online tributes, you can visit Jean's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.