Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Higgins, 104, passed away peacefully in her sleep, Friday, March 21, 2014 at River Glen Health Care Center in Southbury, CT.
Betty was born on February 5, 1910, in The Bronx, NY. She was the daughter of Joseph Elliot Toms and Clara Case Toms.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved husband, Laurence Edwin Higgins, and her brothers, John Skinner Toms and Nathan Joseph Toms, and her son-in-law, John C. Schlegel.
She leaves her daughters, Judy Schlegel of Birmingham, AL and Ginny Rogers and her husband, Tom, of Stratford, CT; her granddaughters, Christina Rogers Lewis and her husband, Brad, of Southbury, CT and Wendy Schlegel Elrod and her husband, Geoff, of Boaz, AL; her great-grandsons, Nathan and Christopher Lewis and Jacob Elrod.
Betty was so proud of being able to say she was born in The Bronx as she was an avid New York Yankees fan from the age of 16. People were amazed to hear her stories of seeing Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig play and being present at their farewell speeches.
As a child, she loved living in Summit, NJ, El Paso, TX, Nashville, TN., where she was baptized in the Tennessee River, and Stamford, CT. In later life, she lived in Darien, CT, Stamford, CT, and Birmingham, AL and was a member of the Vestavia Hills Baptist Church. She loved life and took advantage of any and all opportunities to enjoy her family and friends.
At the age of 16, she began working as an operator for the telephone company in Stamford, CT. She also worked as an operator/receptionist for Barnes Engineering in Stamford, CT and retired after 25 years.
Our deepest gratitude and thanks to the staff of River Glen Health Care Center who took wonderful care of Betty for the last 4 years of her life.

Memorials: Memorial contributions may be made to South Britain Congregational Church 693 South Britain Rd. Southbury, CT 06488.

Cemetery: Cemetery Not Applicable

Location: Munson-Lovetere Southbury

Funeral: South Britain Congregational Church

Services: A memorial service will take place at South Britain Congregational Church in Southbury on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at 10: 00am. Those attending the service are asked to bring a baseball cap for a special tribute to Betty.

Visitation: There are no calling hours.