Franciscan Sister Mary Theodora (Janet) Higgins, 100, died Feb. 3 at St. Francis Convent, Little Falls. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 7, at St. Francis Convent. Friends may call at St. Francis Convent on Friday from 9 a.m., until the time of the funeral at 11 a.m.
Janet Higgins was born March 27,1919, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the only child of Eben and Marian (Corser) Higgins, who were devout Methodists. On completing grade school, she enrolled at Derham Hall, a Catholic high school, but due to her mother’s illness, she had to quit school and care for her mother, who died when Janet was 20.
She was accepted as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls Aug. 12, 1944, receiving the name Sister Mary Theodora. She made first profession of vows Aug. 12, 1946, and final vows Aug. 12, 1949. Sister Theodora was a Franciscan Sister for 75 years and celebrated her 75th jubilee in August 2019. Sister Theodora celebrated her 100th birthday in March 2019.
Sister Theodora’s ministry was primarily in the areas of caring for the elderly. She ministered at St. Otto’s Care Center in Little Falls and at St. James Home in Perham. She also served as a prefect at St. Francis High School and as a housemother at the St. Cloud Children’s Home. In her later years, Sister Theodora served in housekeeping, office work and as a dietary aide at the convent in Little Falls. She was also known for her crewel and embroidery work.
Sister Mary Theodora Higgins is survived by her Franciscan Community. Donations to Franciscan Sisters Ministries preferred.