Barbara J. Higgins

Born in Camptown, Pennsylvania to the late Emil & Sarah (Clapper) Cogswell, Barbara was a camper through-and through. She met her beloved Navy husband, Gerold, at a roller skating event the Service was putting on; and, they traveled all over the world together. When they married, the Navy took them and their four beautiful children to live in Maryland, Florida, California twice, and even 5 years in Japan. They camped in the Zion National Park, the Grand Canyon, Sebastian, Florida and loved fishing in the ocean. At any moment, Barbara might be found chasing after a hurricane, following a fire truck, gliding in a hot air balloon, or taking a helicopter over the Grand Canyon. She rode jet skis, snowmobiles and dogsleds. And, she would not let a bicycle accident stop her from climbing a mountain. Not the least of her adventures was raising their four children while Gerold served two tours in Vietnam. And, she went on to serve her community through the Seminole County Transportation Department. But, Barbara could not just supervise the bus drivers who carried the precious children of her community to and from school; she had to challenge them. Barbara helped start the State School Bus Rodeo! This was a competition to make drivers better; and, she accompanied one of her finalists all the way to Alaska for the contest! Barbara's family and friends remember her with joy in their eyes; and, true to form, her family invites you to bring a gift for a child in need to her Life Celebration in lieu of flowers.

She was preceded in death by her dear parents, husband, Gerold Higgins and son, David Higgins.

Barbara is survived by her children, Roxanne Leduc (Scott), Deborah Massey (Bobby) and Kevin Higgins (Trish); 17 grandchildren by birth, along with dozens of beloved foster grandchildren; and, 16 great grandchildren.

Join us this Sunday, December 15th for a time of visitation from 1:30-2:30pm and a celebration service at 2:30pm with burial to follow. All will be held at Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn, 5000 County Road 46A, Sanford, Florida 32771. Condolences to www.baldwinfairchild.com