Elsie Higgins

Elsie Higgins passed away peacefully, with family by her side, on May 23, 2017 at the age of 94 years. She was predeceased by her husband Mac; parents Albert and Nellie Squire; siblings Arie, Johan, Eleanor and Ralph. Elsie is survived by her daughters Sylvia (Denny) and Betty Ann (Jerry); grandchildren Rick, Randy (Venus), Brenda (Dallas), Meagan, Kris (Angel) and Aaron; great-grandchildren Amanda, Jared, Joshua, Angela and Natalie; siblings John (Marlene) and Nora; nieces, nephews; special friends Barry and Rita; and numerous other close friends.

 Elsie was born in Edam, Saskatchewan on February 20, 1923. She attended school in a one room school house in the Poplar Dell District. It quickly became obvious that the young children were drawn to Elsie. She would complete her own school work while assisting younger students with their lessons. Many recesses were spent organizing the younger students into games.

 Elsie was a natural hard worker at an early age.  She always felt a connection to horses.  As a young girl, she would ride her horse to school whenever she was allowed and horses were used to assist with the farm work.

 Elsie married Albert Williams on November 18, 1943 and together they spent many years farming land north of Edam. They had two daughters, Sylvia and Betty Ann. Elsie welcomed many infants and young foster children into their home over the years.

 Later in her life, Elsie married Malcolm (Mac) Higgins. During that time she worked as a Dietary Aide and Nurses Aide, at the hospitals in Turtleford, Maidstone, and Lloydminster.  Elsie knew that she had found a good match in Mac, as he too shared her love of horses. They could often be seen riding their horses, decked out in style, in the local parades. Together they created a business that provided trail rides to the public at Turtle Lake, Saskatchewan for many years.

 Elsie enjoyed sewing, needlework, quilting and various other crafts. She sewed for many local families making custom clothing, bridesmaid dresses and even bridal gowns. Elsie shared her talents by teaching a variety of classes to the members of her community. She generously gifted many of her quilts, hardanger doilies, and other pieces of her handiwork to family and friends over the years.

 Elsie liked to dance and surround herself with music. She loved to host jam sessions at her home in Livelong. Hap Boyer regularly attended these gatherings. As their friendship developed and driving became difficult for Hap, Elsie would drive him to fiddle performances so he could continue to play.

 Elsie was fortunate to be healthy most of her life.  She was a strong, independent lady. She lived on her own past the age of 93 years.  In 2011, she decided to move from her home in Livelong to an apartment next door to her sister, Nora, in Saskatoon.  It was wonderful for Elsie to spend quality time with her sister and her family in her later years. Her niece, Diane, always made sure to include Elsie in their outings and family gatherings.

 In 2014, Elsie moved to Regina to be near her daughter, BettyAnn. They enjoyed frequent visits and outings together. Elsie especially delighted in a lunch at KFC or a trip for an ice cream treat.

 In 2016, Elsie moved to “Home at Kathy's.”  Thank you Kathy for your patience, support and delicious cooking while taking care of Elsie.

 The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff and volunteers on the Palliative Care Unit at Regina Pasqua Hospital for demonstrating superior care and compassion towards Elsie and her family, in her final days. You are amazing people. We are especially grateful to Shannon; you are exceptional.

 The family will have a private celebration of life.

 To honour Elsie, donations can be made to the Regina Therapeutic Riding Association, P.O. Box 474, Regina, SK S4P 3A2.