Born November 22, 1932 in New York City, Frances was the daughter of the late Frank and Mary Creighton McKenny. Survivors include her husband, Richard J. Higgins, to whom she was married for almost 59 years; her children, Mary (Steve) Norton, Richard (Nancy) Higgins, James (Darlene) Higgins and Kathleen (Rob) Murphy; and her grandchildren, Caitlin Norton, Corinne Higgins, Jaclyn, Sean and Kelly Murphy; her sisters, Marie (the late Joseph) Chowske and Patricia (Blaise) Genco; sister-in-law, Patricia (the late Thomas) McKenny. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Fran's life was one of love and service to others. She was genuinely interested in the problems, talents and accomplishments of family, friends and all the people with whom she had contact. While bringing up four children Fran managed to participate in a wide range of community activities, including 4H, Boy Scouts, Brownies and Tie Line of Albany (which brought inner city and suburban families together). Fran also had a number of part time employments over the years, most notable as administrative assistant to Dr. Henry Chessin of the Physics Department at SUNY Albany.
Fran also golfed and was a member of the Women's Association of Normanside Country Club for many years. Among many other interests, were swimming, cooking, painting and gardening. She also appreciated nature, particularly birds and animals of all kinds.
A Celebration of Frances's life will be held on June 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 Route 9, Clifton Park. Inurnment will be in the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville.
Memorial contributions in Fran's memory may be made to the American Lung Association of NYS c/o COPD Research, 1550 Washington Avenue, Suite 210, Albany, NY 12210 or to the charity of one's choice. Arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 Route 9, Clifton Park, New York 12065.
