Shirley Ann Higgins

Our family sadly announces the passing of Shirley Ann (Rolstad) Higgins of Seattle, WA on December 26, 2021. Shirley passed away peacefully to begin her journey with Our Heavenly Father. Shirley was born September 12, 1945, in Austin, Texas to parents Allan Peter Rolstad of South Dakota and Agatha Katherine Kraemer of Wisconsin. Shirley is survived by her younger siblings Jerry, Joyce, Debbie, Carolyn and Tammy. Shirley graduated from St Edwards Middle School in 1959 & Immaculate Conception High School in 1962.

Our mother, Shirley, was one of the strongest, most courageous, kindest, gentlest, patient & humble woman to ever walk this earth. From a very young age, Shirley was a caretaker, a loving and intentionally patient with those around her. She was a learner, thinker and doer of ALL things. Her strength was amazing and she had unheard of resilience. Shirley was a devoted Catholic daughter of Christ, growing up actively attending St. Edwards Church & School (class of 1959) in South Seattle, later, Holy Rosary Church and on to Our Lady of Guadalupe, both in West Seattle. Her infinite faith followed her everywhere & she went nowhere without the presence of the Lord. Though her journey was not at all easy, Shirley remained calm, receptive, loving, devoted, loyal, faithful and determined to keep peace & harmony among her loved ones. She persevered through everything put before her. She would stand strong in her conviction that her Lord would never give her more than she could handle. Our family was so blessed to have her.

At a bowling alley, in 1964 she met Harold V Higgins, unintentionally. She was there for a blind date, of whom never showed, that Harold’s best friend had set up for her. Harold was there with someone else, that he didn’t vibe with. Throughout the night, Harold and Shirley fell in love. So much so, they decided to elope and get hitched on April 3, 1964 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Being Shirley came from a strong Catholic background, she, her family and Harold decided to have a traditional wedding at a small church on the outskirts of Tacoma, a short time later. Throughout their 58 years of marriage, they went on to have 5 daughters: Tina Marie, Cynthia Louise (deceased), Lisa Kay, Teresa Colleen and Brenda Jean. Those daughters gave her 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Shirley was a wonderful and loving (great(grand)) mother who gave her all to her family. We will never be able to fill the space left behind by her.

Shirley was the first Woman Building Engineer west of the Mississippi. She was with Laird Norton Company 1982-2002, starting in building maintenance at the Marsh McLennan Building and moving on to the Norton Building, where she found her true calling in HVAC Engineering. She worked days and schooled nights, all while caring for four daughters, a husband and a home. She was a woman of many interests and talents, which filled our home with joy and wonder. She was an artist, pianist lover of crosswords and crafting, maker of clothing and other fabulous things. Her cooking & baking skills were amazing, always trying to find new ways to please our palates and bring our hearts joy.

Please join us to celebrate Shirley, Saturday March 5, 2022 11am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church 7000 35th Avenue SW Seattle, WA 98126. The Services live-streaming will be available at: https://olgseattle.org/livestreaming-at-olg

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there; I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow,

I am the sunlight on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumns rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight,

I am the soft stars that shine at night;

Do not stand at my grave and cry,

I am not there, I did not die

-Unknown