SURRY
Terry C. Higgins, 62, died peacefully at her home in Surry on Jan. 20, 2019. She was born Oct. 8, 1956, in Blue Hill, the daughter of Ralph Howard and Loretta (Lessard) Curtis.
Terry graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1974 and from the University of Maine in 1978. During this time, she met the love of her life and soul mate, Steven C. Higgins. They settled in Surry, and were married on June 30, 1979. This year, they were looking forward to celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. They created many unforgettable memories together over the years, and their relationship was an exemplar of an unbreakable bond.
Terry was extremely proud of her career in health care. Immediately after graduating college, she began her career at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital (Northern Light Maine Coast) in the laboratory as a microbiologist. In June of 2018, she celebrated her 40th year as an employee at that very same laboratory. Terry had numerous professional certifications that she acquired and renewed throughout her career, and also took on additional roles in other departments such as working to lead infection control. She was one of the longest standing employees at the hospital, and will be sadly missed by her colleagues.
Terry not only grew up in Surry and lived there all of her life, but was an active community participant for many, many years. Several places within the town held a special place in her heart, such as Newbury Neck and other historical buildings that she remembered from her childhood. Terry was a board member for the Surry Historical Society, and published several newsletters about the history of the town for all to read. Throughout her entire childhood and adult life she was invested in making the town a better place.
Terry’s passions included reading, sewing, gardening and walking in the great outdoors. Terry was an avid Stephen King fan, collecting all of his novels and stories over her lifetime within her personal library. She shared her love of reading on a regular basis with those who she loved and cared about.
Terry’s largest pride and joy, as well as her greatest life accomplishment, was her loving family. Her strong marriage with Steven paved the way for a warm and fulfilling family life with her two children, Nicole and Travis. She also loved all of her grandchildren more than words can describe, and was a strong influence in each of her family members’ lives, inspiring them to become kind and generous people one small gesture at a time.
Terry is survived by her soul mate and husband, Steven Higgins of Surry; her daughter Nicole (Higgins) Chan, her husband, Victor, and their children Jordan, Jace and Jocelyn of Lamoine; her son Travis Higgins, his partner, Nichole Johnson, and their children Jackson and Johnny of Blue Hill; her stepdaughter Missy Kelley of Surry, and her child Dylan; her brother John Curtis of Surry; her sister Kim Foss, and her husband, Steve, of South Portland; and several other special cousins, relatives-in-law, nieces/nephews and treasured friends. Terry was predeceased by her father and mother, Ralph and Loretta Curtis of Surry; her Aunt Eileen (Betty) Stevens of Surry; and her sister Mary (Buffy) Curtis of Surry.
A service of remembrance will be held 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30 at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth followed by a celebration of life and burial in the spring. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.