Obituary of Claudia M. Higson

Claudia Marie (Turnquist) Higson, a lifelong resident of Burlington, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 12, 2025. She was 80 years old.

Claudia was born in Key West, Florida, while her father was serving in the Navy and stationed at Naval Air Station Key West during World War II. She grew up and was educated in Burlington, where she spent nearly her entire life.

She married her husband, Gerald Higson, and they shared 51 wonderful years of marriage together. They started a family young and went on to have four children. Claudia later became a vibrant young grandmother and celebrated the arrival of five great-grandchildren. Family was the core of Claudia’s life—her greatest joy and legacy.

Claudia was a deeply supportive and involved mother. She was always present, nurturing, and actively engaged in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She wanted the best for them and ensured they stayed on track in school and were active and involved as they grew up. She found immense joy as her family expanded.

Holidays held a special place in Claudia’s heart. Often, three or even four generations would gather together to celebrate. Her Christmas Eve open house became a beloved tradition, with her modest home filled to the brim with laughter, joy, and love—just the way she liked it. She also hosted countless Thanksgivings, Easters, and birthday celebrations over the years.

Claudia loved to travel and never turned down an invitation for a trip. There were road trips to Niagara Falls and Canada, as well as adventures to farther destinations such as Key West, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, and beyond. She also enjoyed cruises and cherished the annual Turnquist Family Reunions held at East Hill Farm in Troy, New Hampshire.

For over 20 years, Claudia and Gerry kept a camper at Twin Tamarack Campground. They loved welcoming visiting family and the buzz of activity that came with it. But they also enjoyed the peaceful midweek moments—reading on their screened porch or sitting by the shore of Lake Pemigewasset.

Though not much of a sports fan herself, Claudia faithfully read the sports section so she could stay engaged in conversations that interested her family. She never missed a graduation, school event, sports game, cheerleading competition, concert, or musical. She found happiness in even the simplest family moments—especially when cooking and sharing meals together.

She was an enthusiastic supporter of the Burlington High School musicals and was a self-taught pianist. Claudia was also a member of a bowling league and occasionally tried her luck at the slot machines during trips to Foxwoods.

Those who knew Claudia would describe her as quiet, warm, thoughtful, and giving. Many also appreciated her dry wit, which always seemed to catch you pleasantly off guard. More than anything, she will be remembered for the deep love and kindness she showered on her family and friends.

Incredibly, Claudia even outlived hospice care, having been discharged two years ago. Her family liked to say there was still too much life left in her—like welcoming another great-grandchild.

She will be lovingly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

Claudia was the loving daughter of the late Henry and Harriett (Rogers) Turnquist.  She was the loving wife of the late Gerald Higson.  She was the proud mother of Carla Beaulieu & her husband Robert Nadolny of Burlington, Gerald Higson, Jr. & his wife Susan of Chelmsford, Catherine Johnson & her husband Mark of Sandown, NH, and Robert Higson of Framingham.  She was the caring mother-in-law of the late Jay Beaulieu and Cora Higson.  She was the loving sister of Henry Turnquist, III & his wife Susan of Burlington and the late Phyllis Hall & her late husband Nick Hall.  She was the proud grandmother of James Beaulieu & his wife Anna, Steven Beaulieu & his wife Kim, Nicole Bertrand & her husband Chase, Jake Higson & his partner April, Max Higson & his wife Casey, Will Higson, and Christofer Johnson.  She was the great grandmother of Jimmy, Aidan, Lily, Harper, and Robbie.  Claudia was also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Wednesday, April 16 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. A funeral service will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home.  Services will conclude with a burial at Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. 

Memorials in Claudia’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105. 

For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net