Marian Rose Higgins

Marian Coppola Higgins, 78, died Saturday, July 2, 2011 during a trip to New Jersey.

She was born September 16, 1932, to Italian immigrants, Emma and Eugene Coppola. Preceding her in death are three brothers, Frank, Joseph, and Tony and two sisters, Violet and Margaret. She is survived by her younger brother, Robert.

As a young girl, Marian worked in the family business, a grocery store on Forest Avenue. She graduated from St. Joseph's Academy in 1950, went to cosmetology school then worked at the "Beauty Spot" with her two sisters.

She wed Harold Higgins in 1958 and was widowed in 1979. She never remarried. "I married the best the first time," she would always say. Marian and Harold had five children: a daughter, Vianne Higgins of Denver, CO and four sons and their wives, Mike and Nancy Higgins of Florissant, MO, Dave and Julia Higgins of Studio City, CA, Steve and Ellen Higgins of Montclair, NJ and Al and Alysoun Higgins of Los Angeles, CA.

Her grandchildren are Andrew Higgins, Gabriel and Jane Higgins, Anna, John, William and Elliot Higgins and Katie, Mary and Sarah Higgins.

A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, July 29th. A memorial mass will take place on Saturday, July 30th at 10:30 a.m. at the Basilica of St. John's, 1915 University Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa. Internment of her ashes will follow at Glendale Cemetery, 4909 University Avenue. The family requests no flowers, but memorials may be directed to Iowa Public Radio.

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/MarianHiggins/marianhigginsmemorial-iowapublicradio

Marian was a genuine, woman who was full of life. Her unconditional love was felt by all. She cherished her family, friends and neighbors, to whom her door was always open. She welcomed everyone to her kitchen table where she made you feel truly at home. She would offer you a hot cup of coffee, legendary pasta, and honest advice that let you know exactly where she stood, but at the same time, you knew she stood behind you one hundred percent.

The world lost an amazing woman. She was a mother to many and a friend to all. Marian is not just mourned by her family but everyone who was lucky enough to know her.

We love you, Ma.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. Please visit www.holcombefisher.com for further information or to send condolences.