Harriet R. Higgins June 4, 1930 – July 27, 2013

Harriet R. Higgins passed away, with her daughters at her side, on July 27, 2013, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. She was born on June 4, 1930, to Gilbert and Harriet Rich in Boston, Massachusetts. She was known for her big smile and warm personality. She had a great sense of humor, lots of energy, and enjoyed social activities such as playing dominos, square dancing, tea parties, and getting together with friends to tell stories. She retained her distinctive Provincetown, East Coast accent throughout her lifetime, although she hadn't lived on the East Coast since 1960.

Harriet met her husband, Jim Higgins, at the University of Massachusetts. Jim and Harriet were married in 1950. They were happily married for 55 years. They had two daughters, Lynne and Carol. Harriet received her B.A. Education degree in 1958.

The family moved to Modesto, CA in 1963. Harriet had a long career as an elementary school teacher in Modesto. She taught at Shiloh School in a combined classroom for 1st & 2nd grades from 1963-71. She was employed with the Modesto School District from 1971-88. She taught K – 2nd grades at Fairview and Fremont elementary schools. She was an active member of the Modesto Teacher's Association.

Harriet and Jim started square dancing in the late 1970's and continued dancing until Jim's health failed in the early 2000's. They were active members of the Ceres Twisters, Skirts and Flirts, and the Penny Arcades. They often won prizes for best costumes at the square dances. Harriet continued square dancing after moving to Richland.

Harriet was an avid gardener. She was very involved in the Modesto Garden Club and helped the club grow to become the largest garden club in California. Harriet and Jim's garden was selected several times for Modesto Garden Club tours and spring luncheons.

Harriet moved to Richland in 2005, after Jim passed away. She lived at River's Edge at Columbia Point. She was an active board member of the River's Edge Condo Association. While living at River's Edge, she enjoyed the social activities at the Richland Senior Center, especially playing dominos with her friends. She moved to Riverton Retirement/Assisted Living, Richland, in March 2013. She made many new friends at Riverton and participated in Riverton's social activities until the end of her life.

Harriet will be missed by daughters Lynne H. Bidwell of Lewiston, ID, Carol H. Thompson and husband, Michael Thompson of Richland, WA; grandchildren Marianne Bidwell, Ryan and Robert Thompson, Kristin T. Wittman and husband, Connor Wittman; first-cousins Eleanor Schlaefer and Alice Browning.

Our family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Riverton Retirement/Assisted Living and to all the healthcare professionals who cared for Harriet.

Friends and family are invited to join us for a Celebration of Harriet's Life, Saturday, August 10, 2013, at 2 pm at the Einan's Funeral Home Chapel, with a reception to follow at the Memories at Sunset Event Center, both located at 915 Bypass Highway, Richland, WA 99352. www.einansfuneralhome.com