Deborah Higgins

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mrs. Deborah Marie (Delio) Higgins, 72, on September 16, 2026 after an extended illness. Born October 4, 1953, in Erie, Pennsylvania, Debbie was the youngest daughter of James and Marie (Alvarez) Delio. She is survived by her husband Pat, daughter Colleen (Ladd) and son-inlaw Michael Ladd, sister Cheryl Fleming and her many nieces and nephews. Debbie met the love her life Patrick Higgins in Erie, married on September 7, 1985, and relocated to Massachusetts before retiring to Winter Haven, FL. Debbie was a devoted wife, mother, and aunt. She loved hockey, especially her beloved Boston Bruins and lived to cuddle with and spoil her many dogs (Ginger, Shemp, Benny, Cooper and Louie) through the years. Debbie previously worked as a Special Ed. tutor and teacher’s aide at Sacred Heart and St. Leo’s Elementary Schools in Massachusetts. She volunteered countless hours in the classrooms and especially liked working with the younger grades and their art projects.

Deb will be forever loved and missed.

A funeral Mass will be held for Debbie at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 1991 Overlook Dr., Winter Haven, FL on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 9:00 A.M. It will be followed by the Interment Service at the Church Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Jude's Children's Hospital.