Carol S. Higgins, 76, of New Port Richey, Florida, passed away on Friday, February 23rd, 2024. Carol is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, William Higgins; her two children, Donna Bourget, husband Norman, and William Higgins Jr., wife Donna; her brother Douglas Clowes; her sister Joan Clowes; her 4 grandchildren, Allison, Sydney, Gregory, and Alexandra; as well as her sister in law Mary Walsh.
Carol was born on December 18th, 1947, to the late Maria and Douglas Clowes in Springfield, Massachusetts. Carol met Bill in school at Buckingham Jr. High School. She later attended Commerce High school. Later they married and lived and worked in Springfield as she and Bill raised their family. During that time, Carol worked as a waitress at the Princess Parlor restaurant downtown Springfield, and a bartender at the Willow Glen restaurant in East Longmeadow and Horizons restaurant in Wilbraham.
As her family grew, they would take several vacations to Florida where she fell in love with the Clearwater area. In 1994, with her children grown, she and Bill set out on a new adventure and moved to Florida. Their adventure would lead to New Port Richey, Florida, where they purchased and operated a local pub. Together they would own and operate the Four Winds Pub on Grand Blvd in New Port Richey for 8 years. Oh, the people she would meet. Carol had a way with people, nearly everyone who met her considered her a friend. Carol loved the interactions and friendships she would form while bartending, so much that she continued to work, even after she and Bill sold the Four Winds Pub. Carol would continue to bartend at The Tahitian Room and the Hurricane Bar at the Lane Glo Bowling Alley in New Port Richey.
Carol loved life and she loved everyone, if you had a problem, trust me, she had a solution for it. Carol will be remembered as a Lover, a Wife, a Mother, a Sister, a Friend, and someone who cared for everyone. She will be dearly missed.
The family would like to thank the nurses, doctors, and staff at the Morton Plant North bay Hospital, especially the staff in the Mitchell wing for the excellent care she received and the support the family received from the staff. A special thank you to Tinika from Bill Higgins for the special hug she gave him in his time of need.
Calling hours are Wednesday, February 28th between 5:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home – Seven Springs Chapel
8825 old County Rd 54, New Port Richey, FL
Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home - Seven Springs Chapel
Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home - Seven Springs Chapel
James Lopes
February 25, 2024, 11:05 pm
Billy, Donna and Bill. Edie and I are saddened to hear of Carol’s passing. Prayers for all of you during these difficult times.
Jim & Edie Lopes
Jennifer Holobaugh
February 26, 2024, 12:47 am
My dear friend Bill and his family, I am so sorry about Carol. I so want to be there with you all to hug everyone of you. I will never forget my dear friend/Florida mom . My love and prayers to you all
Pete and Joan Evans
February 26, 2024, 2:37 pm
Dear Bill and family-such a beautiful story. You all were truly blessed having Carol in your life here on Earth. Her legacy will become a part of your heart and soul that brings peace till you meet again. Our thoughts are prayers are with you all.
Mary Walsh
February 26, 2024, 3:21 pm
Don’t think of her as gone away-
her journey’s just begun,
life holds so many facets-
this earth is only one. . .
Just think of her as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
Think how she must be wishing.
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of her as living
in the hearts of those she touched. . .
for nothing loved is ever lost-
and she was loved so much. I love you Carol.
Diane Escribano
February 26, 2024, 3:42 pm
Donna,There are no words I can say but no I’m here for you and your family .wish I was their to be their for you and your family.Your mom was a beautiful woman.
Doris
February 26, 2024, 3:53 pm
Donna, Just saw the post about your mother. Leon and I are so sorry for your loss. We are here in Florida and were hoping to connect with you but now you have a lot on your plate. We may try to get to the wake but it will depend on the car and Terry and Jerome. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Doris.
Christine Barker
February 26, 2024, 3:59 pm
My dearest Bill,Donna,Billy,
I have no words to describe the loss I feel. My heart is broken…
You all mean more to me than you’ll ever know.
You are more than friends to me, You are my FAMILY!
I will miss Carol, like my mother…
I Love you all very much.
Carol, I can no longer see you with my eyes, but I will feel you in my Heart Forever!
I Love You
Susan Blake
February 26, 2024, 5:45 pm
My deepest condolences for your loss. Her presence will always be in felt in your hearts. Keeping you all in prayer.
Linda Vollinger
February 26, 2024, 6:09 pm
Donna I wish I could be there with you. Your mom was a wonderful woman. No words can take away you are feeling. I can’t even tell you it gets easier but I am a phone call or text away if you need anything.
Carol Reno
February 26, 2024, 6:43 pm
Donna, Bill, and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful Mom. It is a hard time and I pray that you all know God will help you to get the peace to know she loved you all. God Bless, Carol Reno
Susan DeBisschop
February 26, 2024, 8:17 pm
Donna and Family, So sad for all of you in losing such a wonderful person.I am here if you need to reach out. Bless all of you
Michael McGregor
February 26, 2024, 8:36 pm
Alex Donna & family I’m so sorry for your loss you guys are in my thoughts & prayers during this difficult time
EDWARD HAMEL
February 26, 2024, 11:32 pm
Donna, we Just saw the post about your mother. Laura and I are very sorry for your family’s loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
French
February 27, 2024, 12:05 am
Billy
So sorry to hear this news….a wonderful person who loved everyone.
Prayers and much love to you and your family.
Jimmy and Patty Opitz French
Dave Relihan
February 27, 2024, 2:47 pm
Bill and family, I am so sorry for your loss. We sure had some great times back in the day. Treasure those times and know that Carol and you guys will be in my prayers. God bless!
Dave Relihan
Wayne and Carol Stanchina
February 27, 2024, 10:18 pm
Bill and family – We are so sorry for your loss. We had such good times with you and Carol at the Legion. We will miss her.
Joanne Boudreau Opitz
February 27, 2024, 11:33 pm
It’s hard to find the words for how saddened I was to learn about the loss of Carol. She was such an incredibly sweet and caring person. I have many fond memories of the Higgins and Clowes families growing up on Dearborn Street. It was truly a special ‘neighborhood of friends’. I’m thinking of you all and sending my love.
Joanne Boudreau Opitz
Don Gelinas
February 28, 2024, 2:33 pm
Donna , so sorry for your loss
thoughts and prayers for your
mother .
John Flanagan
February 28, 2024, 5:39 pm
Bill & Family,
No words can express the loss of one of my an extended family members. Please know that I am there to support you however, whenever. John Flanagan
Cathy and Joe Popowski
February 28, 2024, 9:14 pm
To Bill and Family, Our hearts ache for the loss you have endured. You both have been such great neighbors and friends for nearly 23 yrs. Carol will be sadly missed. Our Sincere Sympathies,
Joe & Cathy Popowski
Emiel, Helga, Frits, Anneke, Guido, Quinten, Alexandra, Aryadne
February 28, 2024, 9:25 pm
Dear Bill and family, Brasschaat, Belgium, 28th February 2024.
Our family was saddened to hear of the passing away of your beloved wife, Carol. How terrible this also must be for your children to lose their mother. We sympathize with our deep and heartfelt condolences.
.
Your Belgian relatives Emiel, Helga, Frits, Anneke, Guido, Quinten, Alexandra, Aryadne
Gary & Shirley Bird
March 1, 2024, 4:37 pm
Gary and I just heard today of your precious loss! We are so deeply sorry and extend our deepest condolences to the entire family. If you need us we are here for you. Gary and Shirley Bird