Obituary of Mary "Donna" Higgins

Mary “Donna” Higgins — a woman who truly lived life and shared her joy with everyone lucky enough to know her — passed away peacefully on Friday, June 27, 2025, with her loving family by her side. Fittingly, she had just celebrated her 78th birthday the day before, surrounded by laughter, love, and the people who meant the most to her.

Donna was born in Milford, MA and was one of two children of Edward F. and Margaret E. Higgins. She spent her childhood in the rural town of Medway, where she enjoyed a close-knit community, plenty of adventure, and a spirit of independence that would shape her life. As a young girl, she proudly marched in a local drum and bugle corps, back when they were all the rage. She graduated from Medway High School and went on to earn her nursing certificate at Framingham State — a calling that perfectly matched her compassionate heart.

Donna began her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse, dedicating decades of care and comfort to the residents of the Waltham Nursing Home. Later, in a career shift that surprised no one (because Donna never did just one thing), she brought her skills, warmth, and sharp mind to Liberty Mutual in Weston, where she worked as an underwriting assistant for more than 20 years before retiring — though “retirement” was a relative term for Donna.

Still eager to help others, she worked with Seniors Helping Seniors, providing in-home care with the same compassion and joy she was known for. She had an incredible bedside manner, a kind word for everyone, and a smile that could brighten even the toughest day.

To her children’s friends, she was known simply as “The Cool Mom.” Donna loved adventure, embraced new experiences, and had a soundtrack to match — from the country classics of Willie Nelson (whom she saw in concert countless times), Johnny Cash, George Strait, Merle Haggard to the rock anthems of Aerosmith, Kid Rock, Billy Squier, Foreigner, and Run DMC. She wasn’t just along for the ride — she was front and center, singing every word, making memories that would last a lifetime. She loved sharing those experiences with her children and, later, her grandchildren — earning the title of “Cool Grandmother” with ease.

Family meant everything to Donna. She organized unforgettable summer vacations to Cape Cod, adventures to Disney World, and also shared a cherished trip to Ireland with her daughter, granddaughters, and dear friend and co-grandmother, Joan Lamb of Burlington. A die-hard Red Sox fan, she was always up for cheering at Fenway or on one of her trips to Spring Training in Florida. But even the smallest family moments mattered most to her: trick-or-treating with multiple generations, cheering at school events and sports games, celebrating holidays and birthdays, or just enjoying a backyard cookout. If her family was gathered, Donna’s heart was full.

She met life’s challenges with grace and optimism, never one to complain. Her unwavering belief that “good things will happen” was contagious — she focused on silver linings and always saw the best in people. Donna was joyful, generous, resilient, and endlessly kind.

She didn’t just live life — she shared it. She brought her family and friends along for the ride, filling their lives with laughter, music, love, and unforgettable moments. For all of that and so much more, they will be forever grateful.

Donna was the caring and loving mother of Andrea Lamb & her husband Greg of Burlington, Edward Cucchi of Waltham, and Joseph “Joey” Cucchi & his wife Jessica of Pembroke.  She was the sister of the late Edward Higgins, Jr.  She was the fun and loving Grammie of Nicole “Nikki” Barbetta & her husband Greg of Billerica, Rachael Fortunato & her husband Joe of Pembroke, Gregory Lamb, Jr. of Burlington, Edward Ferguson-Cucchi of Waltham, Esther “Essie” Ferguson-Cucchi of Waltham, Isaac Ferguson-Cucchi of Waltham, Isabella “Bella” Cucchi of Pembroke, and Holly Cucchi of Pembroke.  She was the great grandmother of Madison “Maddie” Barbetta, Emma Barbetta, Joseph “Joey” Fortunato, and Scarlett Fortunato.  Donna was the long-term companion of the late James Lumia.  She was the best friend and travel companion of Carol LeBlanc of Onset.  Together they travelled all across the United States exploring, seeing history, and creating wonderful memories.  Donna loved her four-legged companion, Sully.  Donna was also survived by other much-loved family and friends. 

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Monday June 30 from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral from the Sullivan Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 1 at 9 a.m. Services will conclude with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Margaret Church in St. Veronica Parish, www.stveronicama.org, 111 Winn Street, Burlington at 10 a.m.  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

Memorials in Donna’s name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project,  www.woundedwarriorproject.org,    4899 Belfort Road Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.

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