Tributes

Nancy D. Higgins, loving wife of Thomas G. Higgins and adoring mother of Shawn T. Higgins, passed away at her home on Thursday June 20, 2024, at the age of 77. Nancy was born on October 25, 1946 in Reading, PA, to Eleanor and Clarence Hoffman. She grew up in Rahway, NJ, surrounded by a large, loving family of four sisters and a brother. It was there that she met her high school sweetheart, Tommy. Nancy and Tommy married in 1967 and spent the early years of their 44-year marriage stationed in various locations while Tommy served in the Army. They eventually settled back in Rahway, where Nancy embraced her most cherished role as mother to their son, Shawn. In 2002, Nancy and Tommy retired to Surfside Beach, SC fulfilling their dream of living by the ocean, walking their dogs on the beach, and taking scenic drives. Nancy had a passion for collecting recipes, angels, mermaids, and greeting cards. However, no greeting card could ever match Nancy’s natural gift for crafting the perfect message for any occasion. Whether celebrating with genuine enthusiasm in good times or offering heartfelt support in challenging times, her unique way with words made people feel truly seen and loved. On top of that, every card, envelope, and box was meticulously decorated with stickers and adornments that captured the recipient's personality to a tee. Nancy loved watching her favorite programs about adventures in exotic places and artistic pursuits, especially the culinary arts. She spent countless hours talking and texting with family about matters big and small, always ready to offer support or share a laugh, whatever was needed most. Nancy was a compassionate philanthropist, dedicated to supporting people and animals in need through numerous charities close to her heart. Her spirituality brought her profound peace, and she was a congregant of the Shepherd of the Sea Lutheran Church. There, she discovered community, solace, and hope, especially after the passing of her soulmate, Tommy. Nancy is survived by her son Shawn and his wife Meghan of New York City; her sister Carol and brother-in-law Bill Wirth of Myrtle Beach, SC; her sister Linda and brother-in-law Don Caulfield of Manahawkin, NJ; her sister-in-law Carolyn Hoffman of Piscataway, NJ; and her brother-in-law Nelson Popp of Cranford, NJ. She was also a proud and loving aunt to many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Nancy is reunited with her parents, sisters Susan Popp and Gloria Moore, brother Donald Hoffman, and her beloved pets Fitzgerald, Hemingway, and Cherokee. Immersed in their love and likely savoring a cup of tea, she is released from the constraints of all earthly suffering. Memorials may be made in Nancy’s honor to the American Cancer Society, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at a place and date yet to be determined.

Tributes

Nancy Dale Higgins

October 25, 1946 - June 20, 2024