Sister Barbara Francis Higgins O.Carm, who, after a very long illness, passed away peacefully at St. Patrick’s Manor, Framingham, MA, on the night of February 8, 2025, in the 64thyear of her religious life.
Barbara Francis Higgins entered the world on November 13, 1933, in New Bedford, MA. She was the second of three children born to Leo and Dorothy (nee Francis) Higgins. Her father was born in Massachusetts, and her mother was born in Portugal. Sr. Barbara’s older sister, Sr. Marie de Prague, RSM, predeceased her, and she is survived by her younger brother, Anthony Higgins, and his family. Before entering the Congregation, Sr. Barbara graduated from St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in Bedford, MA, and served in the United States Air Force, Nurse Corps, as a 1st Lieutenant.
Sr. Barbara entered the Congregation on September 7, 1961, and upon receiving the Habit took the name Sr. M. Anthony Joseph, later returning to her baptismal name. She professed First Vows on April 1, 1964, and Perpetual Vows on December 8, 1969. Her missions included Mount Carmel Home (NY), Mary Manning Walsh Home, St. Teresa’s Motherhouse, Mount Carmel Nursing Home (NH), Caroll Manor, Ferncliff Nursing Home, Ozanam Hall, St. Joseph’s Manor, and Marian Manor. Due to failing health, Sr. Barbara was admitted to St. Patrick’s Manor in 2015. Her ministry over the years included Postulant Director, Assistant Novice Director, Director of Nursing, R.N. Supervisor, Staff Nurse, and Certified Chaplain.
Family and friends will honor and remember Sr. Barbara’s life by gathering for a time of visitation in the Holy Family Chapel of St. Patrick’s Manor, 863 Central Street on Saturday morning, February 15th from 9-10AM. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the chapel at 10 o’clock. Interment will follow in Queen of Carmel Cemetery, St. Teresa’s Motherhouse, 600 Woods Road, Germantown, NY at 2:30PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sr. Barbara’s name to the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged & Infirm, 863 Central Street, Framingham, MA 01701
Arrangements by the McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home of Framingham. www.mccarthyfh.com
Norton, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home