It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Fayeola (Faye) Higgs, aged 78, at Carleton Manor in Woodstock NB, on July 15, 2026.

Born in Green Mountain, New Brunswick on June 16, 1948, Faye lived a life of adventure and quiet determination. A hard worker who deeply valued education, she enrolled as a mature student at UNB, receiving a Bachelor of Nursing in 1984, allowing her to work as a registered nurse. She went on to complete a Master of Education (Counselling) from UNB in 1992. She worked as a mental health nurse for the Government of NB for 17 years before retiring at 60.

Travel, nature, and her garden were Faye's passions. She journeyed across Canada and lived as far west as British Columbia and as far north as Iqaluit, and in 2012 she travelled to South Korea to spend a month with family. The many waterfalls of New Brunswick and the Maritimes were a particular delight, and she was never without a shovel in her trunk, ready to dig up and bring home any plant she happened upon — a habit that grew into the garden she built and tended around her home, in which she took great pride. She read constantly, visiting the library and bookmobile often, and loved working through a good jigsaw puzzle with family and friends. Endlessly curious and deeply spiritual, she carried a sense of wonder with her all her life.

She is lovingly survived by her children, Danielle Filteau (Tom) of Ottawa, Ontario, Colin Padget (Sarah) of Victoria, BC, and Tirene Padget (James) of Halifax, Nova Scotia; and her grandchildren, Henry and Olive Padget. She also leaves behind her siblings Eldon Higgs (Nancy), Dale Higgs (Sandra), Marky Higgs, and Penny Higgs, as well as extended family, friends, and all those who were fortunate to know and love her.

She was predeceased by her parents, Laurel Higgs and Ida Higgs (née Spinney); her sister, Laurine Wright (Bob); and her brother, Hayden Higgs (Joanne), along with many other cherished family members.

The family extends sincere gratitude to the caregivers and staff who provided compassionate care during Faye's final days at Carleton Manor. The staff at Riverside Court kept her safe and made her feel welcome prior to her time at the Manor. Faye made many friends among the staff at both facilities and kept them on their toes (if you knew her, you understand!). We are grateful, too, to Donna Davidson-Slater, Faye's daily visitor for the last two years, who chatted, walked, drank tea, and shared her pup "Bear" to brighten Faye's days.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday August 29 (additional details to follow). Those wishing to honour her memory are warmly invited to attend and celebrate a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to either of the UNB Bursary or UNB University Wide Scholarship Fund (https://unbca.elluciancrmadvance.com/giftportal/UNBGiving/) or to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

Though she is no longer with us, her curiosity, her love of wild places, and the gardens she planted will live on in the family and friends who loved her.