Bertha Muriel Higgs
1920-2021
From a young age Bertha stood out for her determination, intelligence
and curiosity about the world.
Born in 1920, a daughter of the late Fred and Dora (Veysey) Wood, she
grew up in Green Mountain, NB, in a family of nine children. She
wanted to continue her studies after grade nine but that wasn’t
feasible at the time. Not one to be deterred, Bertha taught under a
local license until she eventually went to teacher’s college in
the late fifties, a brave and unusual decision at the time but a
testament to her determination.
She balanced the demands of a career and being a wife and mother with
a home business hosting fishers and hunters from the USA and Canada.
She was an avid reader, quilter, teacup collector, and a keen Rook
player.
Bertha exemplified strong Christian faith and was an active member of
her local church. She looked forward to the Christmas Eve services at
the Forest City Baptist Church every year, and would begin asking in
October if the program was ready.
Bertha enjoyed being outside in nature, from snowmobile trips in the
winter to gardening and boat rides in the spring and summer. This past
August she was out on her pontoon boat with her sons cruising around
East Grand Lake with her trademark sunglasses and Tilley hat.
All of her adventures were undertaken, and challenges overcome, in
partnership with the love of her life and husband of 69 years, Carl,
who passed away in 2015. Together, they built a vibrant life in Forest
City and travelled the world from Australia to Alaska and all across
continental Europe and the United States.
Sharp-witted until the end, Bertha was the local Google pre-internet,
as one neighbour put it, with her extensive knowledge and excellent
memory. Always eager to discuss the latest news – political or
personal … she was equally ready to listen and provide advice
without judgement.
Bertha continued to live in her home until her death, thanks to the
devotion of her son Dennis, the daily care of Linda Lawrence, and the
support of Lyanne Higgs.
She is survived by her sister Shirley Nason; sons Blaine Higgs
(Marcia) and Dennis Higgs; daughter-in-law Lyanne Higgs; seven
grandchildren, Jamie Higgs (Colleen), Sharolyn Higgs (France), Suzanne
Higgs (Tegran), Lindsey Higgs, Laura Gilmore (Reid), Sarah Wilkinson
(Jeff), and Rachel Hiltz (Matt); twelve great-grandchildren, Kayleigh,
Kate, Garrett, Luke and Hunter Higgs, Nadia, Alexander and Samuel
Gilmore, Darian and Maxton Fraites, Jayce Lepage-Higgs and Sadie
Hiltz; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Shortly after her 100th birthday on Dec 31st when she received
hundreds of cards from well-wishers near and far, she shared her
thoughts on what makes a long, happy life: family and health, of
course, but also setting goals. Three of hers were to be a teacher,
have a strawberry patch, and marry Carl; we honour her memory and the
patience, kindness, and steadfastness she embodied, knowing that she
achieved all three through a life well lived.
Due to COVID 19, there will be no visitation or funeral at this time.
A celebration of Bertha’s life will be held at a later date.
Interment at Forest City International Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Forest City
Baptist Church or the Bertha Higgs Scholarship at the University of
New Brunswick that will be awarded annually to a student in the
Bachelor of Education program.
Arrangements by Flewelling Funeral Home, Nackawic, NB.
www.flewellingswan.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Bertha Muriel Higgs 19202021..
Death notice for the town of: Nackawic, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick