Dorothy Ann Gabel Higgins
Dorothy “Dode” Ann Gabel Higgins passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 3, 2016. She was born in Helena, MT to Joseph and Ethel Moriarty Gabel on August 5, 1922.
Dode married her high school sweetheart James F. Higgins on October 21, 1945. They exchanged vows at a nuptial mass celebrated in the St. Helena Cathedral, and together they raised seven children. She was a devoted mother and dearly loved her family and friends.
Dode graduated from Cathedral High School in Helena 1940. She sharpened her secretarial skills at Kinman Business College in Spokane, WA. She was employed at the State Auditor’s Office and worked at several legislative sessions. Dode loved to read and volunteered many years as librarian at Central school. Playing bridge and dancing were lifelong activities. Jim and Dode resided in Helena their entire married life, and enjoyed many winters as snowbirds in Arizona and California.
Dode was preceded in death by her husband Jim, daughter Kay Young, sister June Gabel, and grandsons Justin and Michael Young.
Dode is survived by her sister Marjorie Merrill; children – Tom (Sherri) Higgins, Jim Higgins, and Helen Higgins all of Helena; Marian Higgins of Bozeman; Jean (Jim) Sewell of Bigfork Montana, and John (Jackie) Higgins of Auburn Washington, 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, niece Marsha Merrill, nephew Joe Merrill, and several cousins.
Special thanks to the caring and compassionate staff at Touchmark, and Msgr. Kevin S. O’Neill with the cathedral of St. Helena.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 11th at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing St. A reception will follow the Mass in the Brondel Center located in the lower level of the Cathedral of St. Helena. Rite of Committal will be at Resurrection Cemetery at approximately 2:30 p.m. following the reception.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday February 11, 2016
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Thursday February 11, 2016
Brondel Center at the Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Interment
Following the reception
Thursday February 11, 2016
Resurrection Cemeter
1700 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday February 11, 2016
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Thursday February 11, 2016
Brondel Center at the Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Interment
Following the reception
Thursday February 11, 2016
Resurrection Cemeter
1700 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Bev and Don OPITZ says
Dear jim ,Helen,and jjean,
WE ARE SADDENED TO deaDEAR JIM, HELEN, AND JEAN,. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE SENT YOUR WAY. YOUR MOM WAS ALWAYS SUCH A GRACIOUS LADY. HOPEFULLY YOU HAVE MANY GOOD MEMORIES TO SUSTAIN YOU. HUGS TO ALL OF YOU. WE CARE. GOD BLESS, LOVE, DON AND BEV OPITZ
OF YOUR MOTHEr,s passing. SHE WAS ALWAAYS SUCH A GRACIOUS LADY. MANY HUGS ;’I/
Terry W Bass says
A classy lady all the time. Always positive and a magic twinkle in the eyes. May she rest in Peace and may God bless all of the family.
Jan Sassano Funston says
I’m sorry to hear of Dode’s passing. She was s good friend of my mother, Armelda Sassano.
Glen Cuchine says
Thoughts and prayers are with you all at the passing of your mother, grandmother. We were neighbors for many years. What wonderful memories of your mother’s always gracious smile and your dad’s sense of humor. May your many special memories be a comfort to you.
Ann Hennessey says
Helen, I was sorry to read of the loss of your mother. Wishing you well.
Tammy Stefanik says
My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Cassie says
As a CNA at touchmark I enjoyed spending time with Dode so much. She was the sweetest lady and always was good to remember everyone’s names and details about them. So sorry to hear of your loss.
Elaine Cooper Power says
Please know of my sincere sorrow in your loss of Dode. We have been friends since back in Jaycee days plus Jim was a wonderful friend of Coop’s. She was always up-beat and friendly to all. She will be missed by many. May God comfort you and give you peace.
Ronda Davis says
Tom,Sheri, & Kevin….so sorry for your loss
Jane Syskowski Chase says
I have so many memories of days spent at the Higgins home. Also, Jim used to take Helen and me and John and his friends skiing almost every weekend in about the 7th grade. Dode and my mom, Pat Syskowski, were lifelong friends and bridge players.
Bob and Marlene Moriarty says
Bob and Marlene Moriarty
When Marlene and I moved to Montana in the 1990’s, I reestablished contact with my cousins in Helena. We met occasionally in Helena for lunch and talked at length about our lives and adventures. Dode and Jim welcomed our visits with friendship, nearly forgotten stories from our past, and especially with humor, smiles and laughter. And, yes, Cousin Dode always had a smile and that marvelous witty twinkle in her eyes. We’ll miss her!