Nora died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on October 18, 2015. She will be deeply missed by her beloved husband of 72 years, Edmund John William Higgin, their five children John (Saby), Judith, Robert (Valerie), Susan (Michael Gains), and Catherine (Rexford McRae), 15 grandchildren Sonya, Dan, Michael, Laura, Theresa, Brad, Brian, Joe, John, Adam, Chris, Nick, Trevor, Brandon, Vanessa and 21 great-grandchildren. Nora was born in North Sydney, Nova Scotia on May 10, 1921. She is reunited with her mother Mary Madeline Cooper (née Higgins) and father Ross Herbert Cooper.
Early life saw the family following her father, a civil engineer, around North America. Nora and Edmund met in 1943 in the Château Laurier, Ottawa while she was a ticketing agent for Trans Canada Airlines and he a Flying Officer in the RCAF. After a whirlwind wartime engagement they were married in All Saints Church, Ottawa. In 1965, Nora and Ed moved to Victoria, after a wonderful career with the RCAF which spanned 25 years and many cities throughout North America. In Victoria, they started a new chapter with the opening of Victoria’s premier store for handmade art, The Handloom. There Nora introduced to the general public many of this Province’s best known craftspeople and artists from all areas of BC including the Queen Charlotte Islands. Nora and Ed travelled extensively throughout Canada and the United States and made trips to England and Asia. They were long time members of the Uplands Golf Club, Victoria Probus and Victoria Kiwanas Club. Nora often said, “I’m the luckiest woman in the world. Thank you, Ed, for bringing me to Victoria. It was the second best decision you EVER made.”
The family wishes especially to thank Dr. Rosenberg and his team, Reverend Richard LeSueur, and the support workers from We Care and staff of Victoria Hospice.
A memorial service will be held at 5:30 pm on Friday, October 23, 2015 at McCall’s Downtown, Johnson & Vancouver Streets.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Directors Ltd.
www.mccallbros.com
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Dave and Annie Mulcahy
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Bill and Alison Nixon Dear John and family,
We were so saddened to read of your mum’s passing in Thursday’s Times Colonist. Upon reading her obituary it was clear she had a life well lived surrounded by her loving family.
Our condolences to you all, sincerely Bill and Alison Nixon
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Claire Thompson Dear Ed
Rand and I are so very sorry for your loss. Nora was a true lady. She was always friendly and inviting to everyone and was such a gentle person. I have such fond memories of our High Tea together at the Empress many years ago. That was a wonderful day, with getting to know you both a bit better and listening to you and Nora talk about your special shop at the Empress.
Nora led such a full life and is leaving behind so many family members who will remember her for all of their lives.
We wish you well in the coming months and perhaps we will see you next summer in Victoria with Laura, Scott and Rowan.
Sincerely,
Claire and Rand Thompson
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Kate Stackhouse Dad H, Susan, Kathy, Judy, John, Rob and the rest of the family,
There are no words to describe the impact “Mum H” had on my life. The memories I will always cherish; making dinner, setting the kitchen table, building my “pantry needs list”. She is an amazing woman who had enough room in her heart for everyone. She will be greatly missed. Know my love, thoughts and prayers are with you all. Thanks for allowing me to have been a part of her life and to have shared her love. Katie
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Ken Lane May the fond memories of Nora provide comfort to the extended family and strength to Ed. While I do share the opinion that a memorial service is more about the person having lived than having passed away, this is still quite a difficult time, and condolences are offered to one and all.
We were very happy to have met Ed and Nora many years ago at Susan and Mike’s wedding. Nora was always a bright beacon for everyone who knew her. She lived a very interesting, long and productive life with a focus on family and community. She really made a difference.
We are comforted to know that Nora spent the latter part of her life in her family home, supported and cared for by her wonderful husband and children, especially Judy.
Our sincere thoughts to Ed and family – may all your good memories of Nora be cherished today and always and help you through this reflective time.
Annie, Jack and Dave Mulcahy