Obituary of Amelia M. Higgins

Amelia M. Knapp Higgins, 90, of Rogge Road, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening at St. Mary's Hospital in the loving company of her family. Born in Staunton, Ill. on July 9, 1920, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Katherine Pikor Knapp. Moving to this area as a child, she was educated locally. Amelia worked as a dental hygienist in New York City for a time and then later as a waitress at the Saverin Restaurant on the New York State Thruway in Pattersonville. A home maker, Amelia was known for her wonderful cooking and baking as well as gardening. She loved the outdoors and was often seen feeding the many birds that her garden attracted. In later years, she and her husband enjoyed travelling, especially to Florida. She was a member of the Hagaman United Methodist Church. On May 13, 1944 she was united in marriage to Lloyd Woodrow Higgins. He predeceased her on May 23, 2003. She also was predeceased by her brother Joseph Knapp Jr. and a sister, Lottie Patricia Panton. Her loving family includes her daughters; Judith Maureen Higgins of Amsterdam, Sherril A. Wilbert Higgins Lew of LaCanada, Flint Ridge, CA., Nancy K. Kosinski Bob Wilson of Broadalbin, and Vicki L. Betz Len Venezia of Amsterdam; her sister, Irene Sinda of Amsterdam; and her grandchildren who meant so much to her, Jessica Mark Valberg, Jason Betz and his fiancé Andrea, Travis Lew and Trey Kosinski; great grandchildren Melody and Samuel Valberg as well as very special nieces and nephews Kathy and Joey Panton, Gretchen Foder and Ricky Sinda; nieces, nephews and cousins. Services and calling hours are private at the convenience of the family. A graveside service of remembrance will take place in the spring at Fairview Cemetery, an announcement will be published at that time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to the Hagaman Volunteer Fire Department or to Kelly's Haven for Friends & Animals, both in care of the funeral home office. Her family has entrusted her care to Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue.