Sister Mary Theodora Higgins, 100, died on February 3, 2020, at St. Francis Convent, Little Falls, Minn.
Janet Higgins was born on March 27, 1919, in St. Paul, Minn., the only child of Eben and Marian (Corser) Higgins. Her mother was an artist who specialized in the delicate art of china painting. Her father worked at Montgomery Wards. Janet inherited her mother’s artistic talents, and over the years she became known for her beautiful unique craft work.
As an only child, Janet played with the neighborhood boys and, despite her small size, became known as a “tomboy.” During grade school she excelled in art, literature and science. The Higgins were devout Methodists who frequently attended church. But on completing grade school, Janet was enrolled at Derham Hall, a Catholic high school! However, because of her mother’s illness, she had to quit school and care for her mother, who died when Janet was 20. She then became the head of the household, which included her father, grandfather and uncle.
At that time Janet began visiting other churches, seeking a place where she would feel at home. She felt called to the Catholic Church and in 1943 she was baptized a Catholic. Her friend, Helen Hofman, who was a niece of Mother M. Anastasia Ohmann, asked her if she had thought of becoming a sister. Janet visited the Motherhouse and, five months later, entered the Franciscan Community.
Janet was accepted as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, Minnesota, on August 12, 1944, receiving the name Sister Mary Theodora. She made her first profession of vows on August 12, 1946, and final vows on August 12, 1949. Sister Theodora was a Franciscan Sister for 75 years and celebrated her 75th jubilee in August 2019.
Sister Theodora’s ministry was primarily in the areas of caring for the elderly. She ministered as a nurse aide at St. Otto’s Care Center, Little Falls, and as a physical therapy aide 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 had boundless energy and was willing to serve wherever needed. Her intelligence and probing mind led her to read avidly to discover answers to her many questions. She also continued her artistic endeavors and was famous for her beautiful crewel and embroidery work.
Sister Theodora was devoted to the Blessed Mother and believed that becoming a Catholic, and later on a member of the Franciscan Sisters, was a gift from the Blessed Mother. While she admitted that her life had some difficult and trying times, she never wanted any other life than that of being a Franciscan Sister. She said, “I knew in my heart that this is where I belonged.”
A former community minister, Sister Carla Przybilla, observed that Sister Theodora was always even-tempered and cheerful, seeing God’s providence in all the events of her life. Those whom she touched during her years of ministry, those who have cared for her in her old age and who affectionately called her “Teddy,” and the younger community members who called her “Grandma,” would attest to this and be grateful that they had known, over the years, such a lovely person. Sister Theodora celebrated her 100th birthday in March 2019.
She is survived by her Franciscan Community.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Mary Theodora was celebrated on February 7, 2020, at St. Francis Convent.
