Obituary of Joyce Marie Higgs (née Kowal)

Joyce Marie Higgs (née Kowal)
March 11, 1954 - April 3, 2026

It is with broken hearts that we announce that Joyce Higgs passed away peacefully at St. Catharines Hospital on April 3, 2026, after a 10 year battle with Parkinson's disease. She was 72.

Joyce left behind her husband Mike Higgs, her children Susan Higgs and Mel David Higgs, and her cherished grandchildren Mandela and Raphael Bodhi. Joyce also left behind her loving siblings, Linda, Kathryn, Wally, and Stephen Kowal. Joyce was predeceased by her child Riley Jennifer Higgs, and her parents Dr. Walter Kowal and Olga Kowal.

Born and raised in Montreal, growing up Joyce could be found with her head in a book, crocheting, or racing down a ski hill. Always sensitive, soft spoken and introspective, she was a constant daydreamer who had an incredibly generous spirit, a compassionate nature, and was full of life. You could not help but love Joyce when you met her!

It was at McGill University where Joyce met her husband Mike. Their life together included many adventures while raising their family, including living in Montreal, Bermuda, Mississauga, the Bahamas while sailing on "Moongate", Peterborough / Hastings, and finally settling in St. Catharines. Joyce loved gardening and spent many years tending her veggie patches, a passion she shared with Mike. Always one to get involved in her local community, Joyce became well known at farmers markets for her strawberry jam and red pepper jelly. But the most important thing in her life, and her greatest pride and joy, was her children. Words can not express the love and devotion she had for them.

Joyce will always be remembered as the joyful, kind, gentle, patient, and caring person she was. Her smile always lit up the room, and her generous heart was always open to everyone she met. We will miss her.

As per Joyce's wishes, no funeral was held, and she was cremated.

We wish to express our sincere appreciation to the extraordinary staff and team of care providers at Linhaven Long Term Care Residence for the years of compassionate care they gave Joyce, and the St. Catharines Hospital Emergency Department and 4A Wing teams for providing Joyce with wonderful end-of-life care. Donations can be made to Parkinson Canada in her memory.

Vichnaya Pamyat and Rest in Peace Joyce.